Cum Laude graduate from Baguio becomes first blind Bar Exam passer


MANILA, Philippines – A visually impaired law graduate from Baguio has made history as the first blind person to pass the Bar Exam in the Philippines. Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling was among the 3,992 passers of the 2022 Bar Examinations, announced by the Supreme Court on Friday, April 14.

Anthony Mark, the son of a taxi driver, received his degree in Political Science from the University of Baguio (UB). Even more impressive, he graduated as cum laude.

The university was proud of their graduate for making history as they shared Anthony Mark’s achievement on Facebook. They posted, “Congratulations to #UniversityOfBaguio alumnus, Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling, for making history as the 1st visually-impaired examinee who successfully passed the 2022 Bar Examinations! Let’s give him our warmest applause!”

Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling is the country’s first blind Bar Exam passer
Anthony Mark Dulawan Emocling is the country’s first blind Bar Exam passer with his mentor, Mayor Pablito V. Sanidad Sr. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Mayor Pablito V. Sanidad Sr

Meanwhile, Mayor Pablito V. Sanidad Sr., former dean of UB’s School of Law and now Mayor of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, congratulated Anthony Mark, who was once his student. He praised his student for defying the odds to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Mayor Sanidad was Anthony Mark’s mentor and also a topnotcher on the 1967 Bar Exam.

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

Mark Anthony’s outstanding achievement impressed many netizens who also congratulated and greeted him online. Even his former schoolmates were equally proud of him.

One netizen commented, Congratulations, bro. I remember we sat beside each other in the library, and you were friendly as well. Well deserving.”

Another schoolmate wrote, “Congratulations! You made it! UB embraced inclusive education!”

Another netizen wrote, “Truly impressive and inspiring!”

A netizen also lauded Mayor Sanidad’s strong belief in Anthony Mark’s dream. He wrote, Congratulations and to you too, Sir Mayor Atty. Sanidad, for not giving up on one’s dream.”

Anthony Mark is not the first blind Bar taker. Another UB law student named Christopher Yumang took the exam in 2014 but unfortunately didn’t pass.

— Sally, The Summit Express