Bacolod declares special day for Bar topnotcher

Bacolod City officials led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia (7th from left) with University of St. La Salle – Bacolod 2017 Bar exam passers led by topnotcher Mark John Simondo (6th from left during their courtesy call at the Government Center Wednesday. PHOTO BY BACOLOD PIO

The City Government of Bacolod has declared April 26, 2018 as a special day to honor Mark John Simondo, a Bacoleño who topped the 2017 Philippine Bar Examinations.

In an Executive Order (EO) issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on Wednesday, the local government declared April 26, 2018 as “Mark John H. Simondo” Day in the city.

It was on this day when the Supreme Court announced the results of last year’s Bar exam, where only 1,724 of the 6,748 examinees passed, or a passing rate of 25.55 percent.

Leonardia, in EO No. 12-A, said because of his very laudable achievement, Simondo has become the pride of Bacolod and an inspiration to all its constituents.

Thus, Simondo deserves to be recognized and forever remembered by the city by making April 26, 2018 as an important date in its history. 

In another order, EO No.13, the city government expressed its congratulations and commendation to Simondo “for passing the toughest exam in the country.”

The order stated that Simondo has given immense pride to Bacolod City by earning the distinction of being the first Bacoleño to place first in the Bar exam.

He has proven that there are indeed local talents in Bacolod City who are at par with the best in Manila, the EO said, adding that “Simondo serves both as an inspiration and role model for the people of Bacolod City, especially its youth.”

The mayor presented the two EOs to Simondo, who was accompanied by seven of his fellow passers from the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, in a courtesy call at the Bacolod City Government Center Wednesday.

Simondo, 31, a resident of Barangay 33, obtained a rating of 91.05 percent. He was also the valedictorian of USLS College of Law Class 2017.

Before proceeding to law school, he took Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

“I know that Bacolod City is proud of me, but what many may not know is that I am also very proud of Bacolod City,” Simondo said.

He added that “right now, it is not just about me, it is about the community, it is about the city.”

Simondo earlier said that he is also inclined to business and corporate law. But, he wants first to pursue a career in the public service. — BAP, GMA News