CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Capitol scholar Rolan Popatco Jr., an Aeta from Barangay Camias, Porac just made history and his people proud as the first full-fledged medical technologist in Pampanga after he successfully passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination last March 2026.
Popatco graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree at the College of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Pampanga and was a Capitol scholar under the Educational Financial Assistance Program (EFAP) from his first year in college.
Amid the challenges not only of rigorous studies but also socio-economic concerns, Popatco chose to strive and dream higher. His dream of becoming a doctor someday to help his countrymen in the mountains and provide medical services to their community.
Steadfast in helping him achieve his dream were Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, who continue to support the education of the Aeta youth.
Aside from the P10,000 financial assistance per semester, the Capitol also paid his tuition and dormitory expenses, so he could focus more on his studies.
The provincial social welfare and development office of Pampanga reported that Popatco is the first Aeta to pass the medical technologist in the province, serving as an inspiration to the entire Indigenous Filipino community who continue to strive for higher levels of education and profession.
