Testimonies

Dec.21.2023

Atty. Anthony Mark Emocling
1st registered blind
lawyer in the
Philippines.
DSWD Baguio Legal

1st registered blind lawyer in the Philippines.

If we could educate society about the fact that people with disabilities can perform everyday tasks such as using computers, smartphones, and taking care of themselves, life would greatly improve for us, especially for those of us who are blind. Another challenge, particularly for the visually impaired, is the inadequate implementation of laws designed to assist people with disabilities. One such law is the Accessibility Law, which mandates that public places should be accessible to persons with disabilities, yet many public places remain non-compliant. Additionally, the Marrakech Treaty, which ensures that all books are accessible to blind individuals, is not effectively enforced.

My objective is to expand my knowledge, broaden my network, and actively contribute to the betterment of the blind community. Given my current role in the government, I actively engage in the legislative process related to the welfare of individuals with disabilities. I am involved in the improvement of several PWD-related laws, ensuring that they address the genuine needs of the PWD sector.

To aspiring lawyers who are visually impaired, I would like to convey that the pursuit of a legal career should not be driven solely by the prestige it offers. Instead, one should choose this path with the primary intention of helping others. My message to you is that success in this field is not achieved overnight. It entails years of dedication, sacrifice, tears, sweat, and determination.

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