Why was the name of Igorot topnother in the March 2026 Physician Board Examinitally withheld?

FEATURE

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Dr. Erwin Ken Parchaso, the Igorot doctor whose identity was initially withheld by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), achieved an impressive 95.17% rating in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).

Parchaso, later revealed as the examinee behind the “name withheld” entry, is believed to have recorded the highest average in the history of the PLE.

The PLE, widely regarded as one of the most difficult licensure examinations in the Philippines, typically sees top scorers with averages ranging from 89% to 91%.

In the updated list of top-performing examinees released by the PRC on April 29, the significant gap between Parchaso and the second placer—who scored 90.58%—became evident. It was initially reported that his name was withheld due to the unusually wide margin.

Parchaso’s remarkable achievement drew praise from netizens on social media, with one commenting, “DESERVE TO BE FLEX. PINAGHIRAPAN NIYA YAN!!!”

During his oath-taking ceremony on April 21, the Igorot physician recalled breaking down in tears when he did not initially see his name on the list of passers. He admitted that he even felt resentment toward the “name withheld” topnotcher, believing he might have made it to the top had that entry not existed.

He also shared that it took him 10 years to become a doctor and that he took the licensure exam three times—failing the first attempt due to personal circumstances and skipping the second. Despite the setbacks, he said he would not trade the experience, as it led him to his wife and son.

Drawing from his journey, Parchaso left an inspiring message, especially for those who feel left behind in their careers. He emphasized that strength does not mean being unbreakable, but continuing to show up—even when it hurts, even when it is embarrassing, and even when one feels like disappearing.