Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso, a graduate of Lyceum-Northwestern University in Dagupan City, has been revealed as the topnotcher of the March 2026 Physicians Licensure Examination. Parchaso officially introduced himself during a mass oath-taking ceremony for new doctors on Tuesday, April 21, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
- Topnotcher: Erwin Ken Angcual Parchaso (Lyceum-Northwestern University).
- Passing Rate: 1,954 out of 2,781 examinees passed the exam.
- PRC Action: The topnotcher’s name was initially withheld for statistical verification.
PRC Explains Withheld Results
When the list of passers was first released on April 8, the No. 1 placer was listed only as “name withheld.” This led to over a week of public speculation regarding the Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) decision.
On Monday, April 20, the PRC explained that the delay was necessary to conduct a “comprehensive review and statistical analysis.” The commission stated it needed to verify reports from its regional office due to Parchaso’s “remarkable and consistent performance across all subjects.”
A Ten-Year Journey to Licensure
During his speech, Parchaso revealed that achieving the top rank came after three attempts at the licensure test and a journey spanning 10 years. He spoke candidly about the personal obstacles he faced, including failing his first attempt after learning his now-wife was pregnant.
Parchaso shared that he did not proceed with a second attempt, choosing instead to stay home to care for his wife during her pregnancy and to prepare himself mentally and emotionally.
The new doctor recounted his initial reaction to the April 8 results, noting that he cried when he did not see his name on the list. He admitted that he assumed he had failed because of the grading curve, even wishing ill upon himself before discovering he was actually the top scorer.
Encouragement for Fellow Doctors
Addressing his fellow board passers, Parchaso emphasized that the path to success varies for everyone, regardless of whether it took one attempt or ten. He urged those who struggled to view their delays as periods of preparation for patience, humility, and compassion.
“Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t the exam, or the PRC, or the curve. It’s ourselves,” Parchaso told the assembly, concluding that the struggle made the achievement worth every tear.
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