MANILA, Philippines – At 27 years old, Riane Rafael H. Foronda, a blind musician and Summa Cum Laude graduate, has added another remarkable feat to his journey of resilience after successfully passing the 2025 Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP) under the psychometrician category.
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| Photo courtesy: Riane Rafael H. Foronda |
He exclusively shared his story with The Summit Express, hoping it would inspire others to see that disability is never a barrier to achievement.
Foronda lost his eyesight at 15 due to complications from cataract surgery, a life-changing event that left him battling depression and isolation.
“My world collapsed after I went blind,” he recalled. “I locked myself inside the house for two years, afraid of people’s judgment and rejection.”
Despite overwhelming stigma, Foronda found strength through faith, family, and music, which became his outlet for healing and self-expression.
He also credited an NGO for introducing him to assistive technologies like screen readers, which opened new doors of learning and opportunity.
Academic Journey
Determined to pursue higher education, Foronda enrolled at Philippine Women’s University (PWU) in 2022, where he worked tirelessly to prove that blindness was not a hindrance to academic excellence.
“All the sleepless nights, breakdowns, and 3 a.m. commutes with my mother as my sighted guide—it was all worth it,” he said.
His hard work paid off when he graduated Summa Cum Laude and Salutatorian of his batch in 2025, an achievement he described as “a victory not just for me, but for everyone who believed I could.”
Overcoming the BLEPP Challenge
Shortly after, Foronda faced another challenge as he prepared for the BLEPP with only a month left to review.
“With PRC’s accommodations, I was able to take the exam smoothly, and I was both relieved and overjoyed to have passed,” he shared.
Inspiring Others to Break Barriers
Foronda now hopes his journey will inspire others and change perceptions about persons with disabilities.
“Blind people are not only meant for welfare,” he emphasized. “We can also be meaningful contributors to society when given the chance.”
“I wish to show people that in a world often plagued by darkness, the light will always reveal itself to guide our way,” he said.
— The Summit Express