School issues statement on student’s death

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The Iloilo Science and Technolgy University (ISAT-U) issued an official statement after the death of one of its students on January 25, 2021.

Jojo (not his real name), 22, died of apparent suicide inside their home at Barangay Tabucan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

His family found his body Monday noon.

Jojo, a first year Bachelor of Science in Social Work student, has repeatedly told his mother that he wanted to end his life due to the stress and pressure he went through in his online class.

His mother claimed that he complained of numerous class works that he must finish with limited time.

The mother claimed they were supportive of him and repeatedly told him not to give up on his studies.

In a statement signed by ISAT-U President Raul Muyong, the school conveyed its condolences to the student’s family.

They are also currently reaching out to the family for a possible assistance.

ISAT-U said it has been very consistent in its pronouncements of exercising “maximum consideration and leniency” to its student.

“It’s a trade-off between the disruptive effect of the pandemic and the continued desire of the University for excellence and quality education.”

Further, “upon careful examination of records, it appears that the concerned student has no record of a failing mark, contrary to what is circulating on social media. For context, all students who have issues with their grades are given ample time to comply and submit requirements as the case may be. This is evidenced by the various dialogues conducted by the administration to the students and even to the parents.”

It added, “the University thoroughly understands the challenges of this pandemic. Hence, it invested in various initiatives like providing electronic tablets to students and the development of a learning management system to afford our faculty members and students an efficient mechanism for the delivery of instruction. On top of that, the University also spearheaded the conduct of various stress and mental health webinars since the onset of the pandemic.”

The statement ended with the assurance that ISAT-U will continually provide a caring and nurturing environment for students and all stakeholders in general.

Last year, the ISAT University has declared “a system-wide ‘health break’ to allow everyone to rest from the demands of remote and modular learning.”

Meanwhile, records from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) showed that Jojo’s death was the second suicide incident in the metropolis.

The first case happened January 1.

Recently, authorities have sounded alarm on the number of suicide cases in Western Visayas.

The Department of Health has established suicide prevention hotlines in the country.

For those who need help, they could call 0917-899-8727 (USAP) and 0917-989-8727 (USAP).

Other helplines include that of In Touch Philippines with call crisis lines +63 2 893 7603 (Landline); +63 917 800 1123 (Globe); and +63 922 893 8944 (Sun).

The Philippine Red Cross’ 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, toll-free HOPELINE 2919 (for Globe & TM Subscribers) 091 7558 4673 or 8044673.