Our History

Inspired by its Founding President, Rev. Dr. Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, Jose Maria College (JMC) acquired its legal status in 2002 as one of the purveyors of an assured, consistent, quality education in Southern Mindanao. The school occupies a four-storey school building located in a very strategic location in a sprawling 4.5 hectare land being a stone-throw away from the bustling national highway. Its boundary at the eastern side is the exit area of the Davao City International Airport where existing plane passengers are attracted with the aesthetic design of the college building. In support of the Clean Air Act, the school and its premises are regularly maintained and considered by the community to be a safe, clean and green environment. JMC grew stronger as it established linkages in the Philippines and abroad.

Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy had a long-held dream of becoming a lawyer. However, he was directed to another vocation and became an international evangelist. In 2016, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy appointed Atty. Israelito P. Torreon to establish what would be the third law school in Davao City, 54 years after the last law school was established. For Pastor Quiboloy, he might not be what he dreamt to be, but in establishing the College of Law, he considers the same as a fulfillment of his great desire to be a member of the legal profession. He believes that producing the best lawyers who stand for truth, justice and peace would already be a great contribution to the Philippine society. JMC College of Law was the first law school in Davao City that offered not only a 4 year law program, but also a 5 year law program, making legal education possible for hundreds of working adults across the entire Davao Region and Mindanao. During its first semester of Academic Year 2016-2017, JMC College of Law had a total of 132 enrollees and is continuously growing and innovating.

With a growing population, more controversies and conflicts arose, demanding more lawyers in the region. Thus, JMC College of Law continued to develop its emphasis on practice-ready legal education and developed leading-edge legal writing, advocacy, moot court competitions and practicum programs. JMC took a holistic approach to experiential learning, focusing on practice, problem-solving, and professional responsibility.

In 2019, JMC College of Law proudly announced its first batch of graduates from the 4-year law program and in 2020, the pioneer graduates of the 5-year law program followed. The law school is an active member of the Philippine Association of Law Schools and the International Association of Law Schools. It also has an existing consortium agreement with the San Beda University Graduate School of Law for its Master of Laws program.

At present, JMC College of Law is preparing its students for the 2021 Bar Examination and continues to shape the future of legal education, while always meeting the needs of its students and the legal community.