IFSU studes wins 1st place in Vlog Making Contest by Phil Blind Union


After garnering the highest score among contenders who are blind and visually impaired across the country, Ms. Cedeline Espana Alvarez of Ifugao State University (IFSU) – Lamut Campus was adjudged the winner and the People’s Choice Awardee in this year's White Cane Vlog Making Contest.

Organized by the Philippine Blind Union (PBU), the national federation of and for people with visual impairments in the country, the event primarily aimed to encourage and increase awareness of blindness and visual impairment and the existence and importance of the White Cane Safety Act or R.A. 6759. This Act declares August 1 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day" in the Philippines. It further seeks to instill public awareness of the plights of the blind and promote recognition and acceptance of the “white cane” as a symbol of the need of the blind for specific assistance and as a reminder of people’s duty to care for and accord them due respect.

Ms. Alvarez received a certificate of recognition and a cash prize worth PhP 7,000 from PBU officers during the "White Cane Vlog Awards Night 2022" on August 31, 2022. She likewise won another certificate of recognition and a brand new Samsung A03S after her vlog entry gathered the most number of views and heart reactions on social media.

"The result is successful and overwhelming since contests to promote awareness of visual impairment are very rare. I thank the University for the support. Some teachers were with me from the beginning of the voting period until the awards night through Zoom," said Ms. Alvarez.

Her vlog piece titled, "Tungkod, Gabay sa Hakbang ng Tagumpay," featured her spouse, Lopez Ananayo, who is also blind, and their child on their typical day while traversing the rice paddies with the help of a cane in going to and from home, his joys as a father and husband, and his challenges and aspirations as an individual with a visual impairment.

"Hopefully, the contest will not be the end of the efforts in spreading awareness of visual impairment and the capabilities of the visually impaired as a student, a woman, and an individual," added Ms. Alvarez. "The contest, I hope, will serve as an eye-opener to everyone that we are the same and normal just like the sighted people."

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon expressed delight with the news and hoped that Ms. Alvarez and all IFSU students with disabilities enjoy their stay in the University. She further assured full support and commitment of the University administration to inclusive education as every person is entitled to a right to education.

Ms. Alvarez is a second-year student of Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) majoring in Filipino from the College of Education. She was diagnosed with an optic nerve inflammation when she was a child causing her to lose sight. She supports her studies and family by working as a licensed massage therapist and an audio transcriptionist during longer class breaks and on the weekends.