Negrenses praise bar topnotcher
BACOLOD CITY — Mark John Simondo, who topped the 2017 Bar with a grade of 91.05 percent, got all praises for his achievements from his fellow Negrenses.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said hard work paid off for Mark John. “Our sincerest congratulations to the new Bar topnotcher and his family, as well as the University of Saint La Salle (USLS) for producing an alumnus, who is truly an inspiration to young Negrenses,” he said.
“Mark John made history with a passing mark of 91.05 percent, which breached for the first time in 16 years the 90 percent passing mark,” he added.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Mark John’s feat proves that Bacolod has talents who are at par with the best in Manila and elsewhere. “This is a proud moment for Bacolod for finally, we have produced a No. 1 Bar topnotcher,” said Leonardia, also a lawyer.
USLS Law Dean Rosanne Juliana Gonzaga said Mark John also made history by being the first graduate of a Bacolod-based law school to top the Bar. Prior his entry to USLS Law, Mark John also graduated magna cum laude for a Nursing degree in the same school
Mark John is the son of retired Senior Police Officer 4 Noli Simondo, formerly assigned to the Bacolod City Police Office. He said he prayed to God that if he passed the Bar he would use his license for the good people. “I passed, so I guess I have to make good my promise to God.”