2026 Physician Licensure Exam TOP 1 is from Cordillera

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Nearly two weeks since the Professional Regulation Commission held back publication of his name after he topped the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), the “name withheld” examinee turned out to be from Benguet.

On April 19, the Professional Regulation Commission finally revealed that the Top 1 of the March 2026 PLE is Dr. Erwin Ken Parchaso of Lyceum-Northwestern University – Dagupan City. Parchaso is a native of Benguet and traces his maternal roots to Sagada, Mt. Province.

The announcement revealing Parchaso’s name as the top-performing examinee came 11 days since the agency initially released the PLE results with the Top 1 bearing a “withheld” mark.

Under the PRC procedures, a withheld result indicates that an examinee is subject to final verification or review in accordance with existing rules and regulations. The PRC is yet to make an official statement about their earlier decision to hold back the publication of his name.

Meanwhile, among those who rejoiced with Parchaso’s feat is Governor Melchor Diclas who commended the topnotcher through his Facebook page and his alma mater who lauded him for excelling in the examination.

“This exceptional accomplishment reflects outstanding excellence, dedication, and the strong foundation of medical education within the Lycean community,” the university wrote.