No Tuition, Forced Leave of Absence, Suicide


Beh Sci student commits suicide (2nd Update)
by The Manila Collegian (Notes) on Friday, March 15, 2013


*THIS NOTE HAS BEEN EDITED AS OF 4:00 PM. Due to the debate ensuing in the comments section of this note, the Editorial Board of The Manila Collegian has decided to withhold the true name of the student. However, we deem it necessary to clarify that Professor Martinez, the source cited in this note, was given express authorization by the parents of the said student in such matters. We would not have published the name of the student if it is against the will of the parents. This note has been published to INFORM the students of such cases, and not to serve other ends.

Beh Sci student commits suicide
by The Manila Collegian

A 16-year old first year Behavioral Sciences student in the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has committed suicide at around 3 AM on March 15, 2013. Corroborating reports state that financial constraints may have triggered the suicide as she was forced to file for leave of absence last Wednesday.

According to Professor Andrea Bautista Martinez of the Department of Behavioral Sciences, she was the eldest of five children. Her father is a taxi driver while her mother is a housewife. She was forced to take a leave of absence as her family cannot cope with the necessary finances to support her education. She was said to frequent the Office of Student Services for counselling services regarding her situation.

“Malaki talaga ang impact sa buhay niya ang LOA kasi pati pamilya niya naapektuhan. Since February, hindi na siya pumapasok. Lagi siyang nagtetext sa’kin na hindi niya kinakaya ang problema,” claims Professor Martinez.

She is said to be one of the students who applied for student loans whose petition was denied by the UP Manila administration. Her parents’ efforts to extend the deadline of payment of her tuition also proved futile.

Her remains lie in Metropolitan Medical Center and will be transfered to a funeral house in Abad Santos in the afternoon. As of press time, The Manila Collegian is still trying to contact her family for further details and the UP Manila administration for their position on the matter.

The Manila Collegian mourns the loss of the student and condemns the repressive policies of the UP Manila administration.

Education is and has always been a right. #

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