History was made in Pampanga as 22-year-old Aeta Rolan Popatco Jr. achieved a milestone, becoming the first licensed medical technologist from his community in the province.
Reports said that Popatco is the first Aeta from Porac, Pampanga, to pass the licensure exam for aspiring medical technologists.
Despite growing up in the mountains, he pursued his studies in the lowlands with the help of scholarships from the provincial government and other agencies.
Popatco earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the College of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
His accomplishment is the first of its kind in the province’s indigenous community.
“Masaya ako kasi licensed na ako kasi hindi lang siya para sa akin, hindi lang siya para sa pamilya ko, para sa community ko,” Popatco said in an interview.
He added that while becoming a medical technologist is challenging, it is even more painful for him to see fellow Aetas struggle to access healthcare.
Popatco said he dreams of becoming a doctor to serve the Aeta community and provide much-needed medical services.
According to Pampanga Vice Gov. Delta Pineda, the newly licensed medical technologist has accepted two scholarship offers to pursue a degree in medicine.
“Sabi niya sa akin, magdo-doctor siya para may doctor na ang mga katutubong Aeta,” he said in a Facebook post.
The Aeta are an indigenous group of Filipinos from the northern Philippines, recognized as among the earliest inhabitants of the country.
They are characterized by their short stature, dark skin, kinky hair and broad noses.
Traditionally, Aetas are known for their skills as jungle hunters, gatherers and weavers.
