Pol sci graduate from University of Baguio becomes PH's first blind Bar passer

Anthony Mark Emocling may be visually impaired, but the message that comes forth from his success at the 2022 Bar exams is easy to see: that one should never give up no matter the circumstance.

Emocling has recently made history as the first blind Bar exam passer of the Philippines. His name was among the 3,992 that the Supreme Court announced on Friday, April 14, that have passed the law licensure exam taken by 9,183 law students in November of last year.

Former dean and now Narvarcan, Ilocos Sur mayor, Pablito V. Sanidad Sr., took pride in Emocling, who was his student at the University of Baguio. 

“Congratulations ANTHONY MARK DULAWAN EMOCLING!!! My blind student at the University of Baguio, School of Law (UBSOL) who against all the odds and despite being blind is now a Lawyer!” he wrote. 

In an interview with Philippine Information Agency - Cordillera, Emocling shared how he got interested in studying law when he became blind at a young age.

“During that time I was lent a radio by my grandfather, and everyday I listened to talk radio programs, and there were lawyers that were being interviewed. I was so fascinated and amazed by the way they talked and explained things," he recounted.

This is also the first time that the Political Science graduate first listened to his former dean and professor, Mayor Sanidad Sr. 

As a student who is visually impaired, Emocling had to overcome hurdles before achieving his recebt feat, especially the lack of available materials that will cater to visually impaired students. Above all, he couldn’t be more grateful to his family who supported him on his journey towards becoming the country's first blind lawyer.

“They never gave up on me. They believed in my abilities (and) that I can do it. I also have good friends that supported my dreams, and they are the ones who also helped me in reviews," Emocling said.