BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Jim John Tolentino is not only a Capitol scholar.
He is a Bukidnon, one of the indigneous people in Mindanao who settled in the central Negros town of Don Salvador Benedicto.
Recently, Jim John, the seventh in a brood of eight to farmer-parents Elvie amd Jimmy, graduated his degree in hotel and restaurant management management recently in a government-run school.
With Latin honors. Summa cum laude.
“Always believe in your dreams. Our weakness will never define our worth,” Jim John said during his valedictory speech at Central Philippine State University (CPSU) in San Carlos City where he topped the graduates with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.21
He is a grantee of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) under the Indigenous Peoples (IP) category.
Tolentino did not just graduate with Latin honors.
He is also a leadership awardee as Supreme Student Government president and also received an award for Best in On-the-Job training.
In his valedictory address, Tolentino thanked Provincial Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for the constant support to his studies.
He also paid tribute to his parents for their hardwork and sacrifices.
Lacson congratulated Tolentino for his achievements and lauded him for his determination.
He added Tolentino is worthy of emulation, not only among IP students but also among Negrense youth.
