Philippine Blind Union

02/02/2026

Please apply!

📢 Applications are now open for the Australia Awards Scholarships to study in Australia in 2027!

Study in Australia, gain valuable skills, and return home to benefit your community!

Check the eligibility criteria for your country before applying.

Learn more 👉https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships

22/01/2026

20/01/2026

The Blind Poet of Sagada Among CAR’s Ten Outstanding Students

A 19-year-old Kankanaey from Sagada, Mountain Province, has proven that blindness is no obstacle to excellence and creativity. Chester Stone Batnag, known in literary circles as the Blind Poet, has been named one of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) finalists for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

Batnag’s selection recognizes not only his scholastic achievements but also his inspiring journey of perseverance. Despite his disability, he graduated cm laude from Easter College in Baguio City, earning a Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Mathematics. Teachers and classmates recall his determination and humility, traits that made him a model student and leader within the campus community.

Beyond academics, Batnag is celebrated for his passion for poetry. Writing under the pen name Blind Poet, his verses have been published in various regional newspapers and literary outlets. His works, often reflective and deeply rooted in the Cordilleran experience, have earned him numerous awards in both regional and Luzon-wide poetry contests. He has also represented his school in quiz competitions, consistently placing among the top contestants.

In a 2006 feature by The Manila Times, Batnag was described as a “visionary graduate” whose blindness never hindered his drive to succeed. His story echoes that of early Filipino poets like Pedro Bucaneg, the legendary blind author of Biag ni Lam-ang, showing how disability can become a source of insight rather than limitation.

The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) honors individuals who embody academic excellence, exemplary leadership, community involvement, and moral integrity. From several nominees across the region, ten students were selected as CAR’s representatives: Theodore Solang (Mt. Province State Polytechnic College), Charisse Anne Lumanlan (University of the Philippines–Baguio), Joel Bongsilen (Apayao State College), Jonathan Barcelo and Randyl Tabajonda (Saint Louis University), Gilyn Abordo (STI), Phonexiematte Kierulf and John Ducusin (University of Baguio), Jamel Moyano (AMA), and Chester Stone Batnag (Easter College).

For the Easter College community, Batnag’s inclusion in the TOSP roster was more than personal triumph, it was a fitting tribute to the school’s centennial celebration held on April 9, 2006. His recognition stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that true vision lies not in sight, but in spirit.

Tragically, Chester Stone Batnag passed away on October 16, 2007, a little more than a year after his recognition as one of CAR’s Ten Outstanding Students. Yet his memory lives on through his poetry and the lives he touched. His story continues to inspire Cordilleran youth, a lasting reminder that “success is not about what one lacks, but about what one makes of what one has.”

References

Bulatlat. (2006, April 9–15). Blind Poet among CAR’s 10 Outstanding Students.

The Manila Times. (2006, April 8). Blind grad has vision of success.

Igorot Blogger. (n.d.). List Part 8 – Igorot Achievers. Retrieved from igorotblogger.

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pedro Bucaneg.

09/01/2026

Call for applicants!

Do you have an idea for a $10,000 travel project that would benefit the blind and visually impaired community?

APPLY TODAY! BlindTravel.org/Apply

The deadline is Sunday, February 1st at 11:59 PM, 2026!

Important Dates & Deadlines

Application Timeline

• February 1 (11:59 PM ET) — Deadline to submit First Round application
• February 9 — Semi-finalist invitations sent
• February 10–21 — Semi-finalist interviews (30 minutes each; availability required)
• February 23 (11:59 PM ET) — Deadline to submit semifinal round materials
• March 6 — Finalist interview invitations sent
• March 10–20 — Finalist interviews with the Application Committee

Announcement and Project Timeline

• Late March / Early April — Winners announced
• April 15 – December 1 — Project period (projects must begin and be completed within this window)

Learn about past winners:
https://www.blindtravel.org/grant-winners/

Photo Description:

Bright blue graphic announcing $10,000 travel grants for blind and visually impaired people.

White text reads: ‘$10,000 Travel Grants for the Blind and Visually Impaired.’

Below is the Blind Travel Foundation logo, shaped like an eye with a small airplane swirling inside.

Text at the bottom reads: ‘BlindTravel.org/Apply. Deadline February 1st, 2026.’

04/01/2026

Today is World Braille Day.

Braille is more than just a system of reading and writing, it’s a tool for autonomy, education, and connection for vision-impaired and blind people.

At WWDA, we celebrate the contributions of Braille users and the importance of accessible communication methods for women and gender-diverse people with disability. This accessibility makes sure our experiences and expertise can be valued and recognised in all national and international policy discussions.

[Image description: This tile displays a picture of a girl reading Braille text in a book. She is wearing a pink shirt and blue jumper. The purple WWDA logo can be seen on the left side. A purple banner across the bottom half of the tile reads: “World Braille Day, January 4th", with the Braille symbols of it below.]

03/01/2026

Today, we honor the inventor of Braille: Louis Braille. Thank you for improving the means of communication for visually impaired individuals.

20/12/2025