BY: HADJI MHOR SARA (UB INTERN) AND VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
BAGUIO CITY – Orly Ganotisi, a young man from Tabuk City, Kalinga, recently made headlines by ranking in the Top 10 of the March 2025 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination (MTLE). His achievement is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and resilience, as he rises from humble beginnings to national recognition.
Born and raised in the peaceful province of Kalinga, Orly’s story is one of determination. He grew up in a family that valued love and strong moral principles over material wealth. He was the fourth of five siblings, and his journey to success was shaped by these early years of simplicity and hope.
Orly dreamed to be a scientist ever since he was a child, and as he grew up, his desire to achieve the dream grew even stronger. His inspiration came from his eldest sister, a licensed medical technologist and a proud graduate of Cagayan State University (CSU).
Watching his sister’s work, Orly felt a calling to the medical field. “This is what I want to do,” he thought, especially after seeing the crucial role healthcare workers played during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite his strong desire to pursue a career in health, life presented its challenges. Orly first tried to enter CSU but wasn’t able to take the entrance exam. He then attempted to join the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), passing the test but falling short on the neurological exam. Rather than giving up, he accepted that it might not be meant for him and decided to move forward with his journey.
Armed with a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarship, Orly enrolled at the University of Baguio (UB), where he would begin his college education. UB was a welcoming environment for Orly, as the school did not require an entrance exam, providing a smooth entry for him.
The transition from his hometown to Baguio City was both exciting and challenging. The first two years of his college education were completed online, with Orly studying from Tabuk City. It wasn’t until his third year that he moved to Baguio City, where he began living on his own in a boarding house. The homesickness was overwhelming at first, but Orly eventually adapted to his new life away from home.
Despite his growing confidence, Orly still had reservations about attending a top-performing universities, “Baka hindi ko kayanin,” he thought. However, he found a supportive environment at UB, where he could develop at his own pace and begin to believe in his potential.
After completing his internship last August 2024, Orly wasted no time in preparing for the licensure exam. He joined the renowned Legend Review Center by Dr. Gab Pascual, where he earned a one hundred percent scholarship after acing their entrance exam. “Libre na ang review ko,” he shared, feeling grateful for the opportunity.
The months that followed were filled with sacrifice and long hours of study. Orly’s mentor at the review center, Jed Cangsan, Top 2 during the MTLE March 2024, not only guided him academically but also provided valuable mental support.
“They don’t pressure you, instead they uplift you,” Orly remarked, reflecting on the positive influence of his mentors.
As the months passed, Orly’s confidence grew. Surrounded by passionate mentors and fellow students, he began to believe that he, too, could become a topnotcher. His hard work and dedication finally paid off when his name appeared on the Top 10 list of successful examinees.
The moment he saw the results, Orly was overwhelmed with emotion. “It feels like a turning point,” he said quietly, knowing that this victory would not only change his life but also inspire his family and his province. His success is a reminder that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness with enough perseverance.
After the exam, Orly was offered a junior mentor role at Legend Review Center. While he has not yet received any job offers from hospitals, Orly is not discouraged. “I’d love to teach,” he said, expressing an interest in helping others on their journey, just as his mentors had helped him.
Though Orly dreams of attending medical school, financial constraints remain a barrier. If given the opportunity, he plans to pursue a medical degree, but for now, he is content to work as a medical technologist. He takes pride in honoring the journey that led him to this point and appreciates the lessons learned along the way.
Orly’s achievement is also significant for the University of Baguio. His success serves as a beacon of hope for the university, reigniting pride among its students and faculty.
To those who will follow in his footsteps, Orly offers advice from the heart.
“Stay disciplined. Make sacrifices. Avoid distractions. Take care of your mental health. Break down if you need to, but don’t give up. Always seek God’s guidance, He never leaves.”
From Tabuk to Baguio, from self-doubt to success, Orly Ganotisi’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. His journey proves that even when life leads you down unexpected paths, dreams are still attainable, as long as you keep pushing forward.
