12/09/2026
BAR WATCH | JMCFI Bar Operations Intensify Final Preparations Ahead of Day 3 of the 2026 Bar Examinations
John Vianne Murcia
DAVAO CITY — The Bar Operations Commission (BarOps) of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) College of Law is carrying out final preparations at Arya House, its designated operations headquarters along Central Park Avenue, on the eve of the third and final day of the 2026 Bar Examinations.
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the school’s 25 bar candidates will return to the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School Campus in Bangkal, Davao City, to take the last set of subjects: Criminal Law in the morning session (8:00 AM – 12:00 NN), and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, and Practical Exercises in the afternoon session (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
Sustained Operations at Arya House
Arya House remains a center of coordinated activity as volunteers and student supporters attend to the requirements of the final examination day. Committees are verifying the roster of examinees, preparing breakfast and lunch provisions, consolidating examination-day reminders, and finalizing the paraphernalias for the morning cheers and Salubong in front of Ateneo.
Volunteers continue to assemble hydration kits, spare writing materials, and contingency supplies. The day’s operations reflect the same organizational discipline and spirit of volunteerism that has characterized JMCFI’s Bar operations since September 6.
BarOps Chairperson Jeos Casilac, who has supervised operations throughout the Bar cycle, emphasized that the final day requires the same standard of preparation as the preceding examination days.
“This is the last push, so we are making sure nothing is left to chance,” Casilac stated. “From transportation to meals to morale, everything is being double-checked. Our baristas only need to think about one thing tomorrow—finishing strong.”
Fiesta-Themed Send-Off and Thanksgiving
In addition to its regular logistical functions, the BarOps team is preparing a fiesta-themed decoration of the Arya House headquarters. Streamers, balloons, and festive banners are being readied to transform the operations center into a setting of celebration in honor of the bar candidates’ efforts and in recognition of the volunteers who have sustained the operations since Day 1.
The initiative serves both as a send-off and as an expression of gratitude—acknowledging the 25 candidates for their perseverance throughout the Bar cycle, and thanking the volunteers, students, faculty, and staff who have contributed their time and resources. “We wanted the last day to feel like a celebration,” Casilac added. “Whatever the result may be, our baristas have already fought hard. This is our way of saying thank you to them—and to everyone who stood with them.”
Bar Buddies and Faculty Support on Standby
As on the previous examination days, the Bar Buddies—upperclassmen and alumni volunteers assigned to attend to the individual needs of each bar candidate—remain on standby. Their functions remain unchanged: running errands, monitoring the condition of the examinees, providing encouragement, and ensuring that each candidate is comfortable and unburdened before the final day of examinations.
In addition to the Bar Buddies, several professors are expected to drop by Arya House. Atty. Jack Rollan Anino, a Criminal Law professor at JMCFI College of Law, is one of the first to announce his commitment to conducting last-minute tips for the bar candidates. His session aims to sharpen the examinees’ preparation for the morning coverage of Criminal Law by reinforcing key doctrines and addressing final points of clarification. Other faculty members are likewise expected to visit and extend their support, though no further details have been announced.
Institutional Support and Final Preparations
Dean Atty. Israelito Torreon and Assistant Dean Resci Angeli Rizada-Nolasco are poised to be present at Arya House in the third and final day of the Bar exams, personally checking on the candidates and coordinating with the BarOps team on the arrangements for the final day. Other lawyers and faculty members likewise extended their support, affirming the law school’s commitment to accompanying its candidates throughout the Bar examinations.
The preparations at Arya House reflect the guidance issued by Dean Torreon in his statement of September 8, 2026, in which he called on the candidates to persevere through the remaining examination days. “Trust in your preparation, believe in your training, and place your absolute faith in His mercy,” the Dean wrote. “Your JMC Law family is standing right behind you, praying for your clarity, strength, and ultimate victory.”
Conclusion of the Bar Cycle
The BarOps team likewise continues to monitor the broader context of the 2026 Bar Examinations. Of the 13,441 expected takers nationwide, only 12,029 appeared on Day 1—an indication of the demands of this year’s cycle. On Day 2, only 12,071 returned, amounting to a 99.9% retention. For JMCFI’s 25 candidates, however, attention remains fixed on completing the examinations with the same composure and resolve they have demonstrated since the first day.
As the final preparations conclude at Arya House, the operations center continues its monitoring—addressing last-minute queries, finalizing assignments, and completing the fiesta-themed send-off arranged for the candidates and volunteers.
On Sunday, the 25 will undertake the final hurdle of the Bar journey, assured that the JMCFI community stands behind them and that their return will be met with the recognition their efforts deserve.
Arya, JMC Barista! 💜
