Med tech group defends Yllana Aduana after she was slammed for saying she's a scientist
The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) defended the claims of Yllana Marie Aduana, a Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidate representing Siniloan, Laguna, after a pageant vlogger accused her of "fakery."
Tita Lavinia, one of the people behind the social media account Titas of Pageantry, said in a video that Aduana "elevated" herself by introducing herself as a scientist in various videos.
"The fakery of like presenting yourself out there like, for example, finishing a degree in medical lab technology or something like that or presenting yourself as a scientist, like parang tinaas mo, in-elavate mo kung ano ka talaga," she said.
Luella Vertucio, PAMET National president, slammed the vlogger's remarks in a statement.
"As the duly recognized organization representing Medical Technologists in the Philippines, PAMET firmly upholds that our profession is built on scientific expertise, rigorous education, and specialized training. The title 'Medical Laboratory Scientist' is not self-proclaimed but is internationally recognized reflecting the essential role we play in healthcare," she said.
The statement continued, "Our profession is at the forefront of laboratory diagnostics, ensuring accurate and reliable results that guide medical decisions and patient care."
Vertucio went on to state that "any remark that diminishes the credibility and contributions" of their profession is not only "misleading" but also "disrespectful," especially to those "who have dedicated their lives to upholding the highest standards of laboratory science."
She then urged the public to uplift "responsible and fact-based discourse" to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The organization also called on Tita Lavinia to issue a clarification and apology for her remarks.
'I wanted to keep mum'
Despite the backlash and the call for a public apology, Tita Lavinia said she would stay mum on the issue.
"I wanted to keep mum because I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that this group of seemingly scientific and analytical individuals would need an apology, a validation, and a public declaration of their rightful place in science and society from a pageant vlogger," she said in an Instagram post.
Tita Lavinia added, "Maintindihan ko sana kung political vlogger ako or big celebrity. Pero Tita Lavinia?"
"Ayokong pumatol because the candidate is in competition. Sobrang aga pa wala pang two weeks. Bakit naman ako mamemersonal sa kandidatang kabago bago pa lang sa competition? Let her compete fair and clean," she explained.
She also underscored that she doesn't care about being "canceled" online.
"Let us agree to disagree. This is as far as I'll go in addressing the issue," Tita Lavinia concluded.
Meanwhile, Aduana applauded PAMET's statement. "Will always be a proud Katusok!" she wrote in the comments of the organization's Facebook post. "Mabuhay tayong mga ka-Agham and fellow Scientists!"
Aduana is among the MUPH candidates vying for the crown this year. She was crowned Miss Earth Air 2023 in Vietnam and is the founder of the Edukasyon for Every Juan, a nonprofit organization "fueled by commitment, passion, and purpose to promote inclusive quality education."
She graduated from Centro Escolar University with a bachelor of science in medical technology. She passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination in September 2018.
