THE UST Central Student Council (CSC) has urged the University administration to recalibrate its academic policies and practices following the death of Physical Therapy senior Junver Toledo, saying students have “long suffered” from school burdens and expectations.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 29, CSC called for transparency from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences (CRS) regarding its actions on Toledo’s passing and denounced what it claimed to be a misperception that equates productivity with overwork.
“The council believes that academic greatness should never be achieved through the sacrifice of our students’ emotional and mental well-being, as greatness is not epitomized by sleepless nights, constant deadlines, or glorification of pain. It is the comprehensive development of each Thomasian-spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually,” the university-wide student council said.
The statement was addressed to UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl Peralta, Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. and College of Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Assoc. Prof. Anne Marie Aseron.
Saying the University can uphold its identity by caring for its people, CSC called for mandatory mental health seminars for staff, options for remedial examinations and consultations with department chairs and deans.
“Every student we lose reveals the imbalance and overwhelming pressure within the institution. UST, show us that competence, compassion and commitment are not just mere mottos but an actual manifesto of the university,” the student council said.
Toledo, who was supposed to graduate this year, took his life on May 17 after failing the same course for the second time, according to a note he had left that was posted on social media by his father.
Five days after Toledo’s death, the University released a statement expressing its condolences and its commitment to the well-being of its stakeholders.
“Our counselors stand ready to provide support to Thomasian students, especially during these trying times,” UST said.
Toledo’s brother-in-law, Marwin Pascua, demanded accountability from the UST administration and condemned its supposed “lack of real concern” to its students.
READ: Brother-in-law of late PT student accuses UST of ‘lack of real concern,’ seeks accountability
“Junver was in constant communication with your faculty when he made that heartbreaking decision. Always ‘refer to counseling,’ ‘pray for you,’ [and] ‘reach out to someone.’ It’s not enough. It should be proactive, not reactive. It was a cry for help, and you blatantly ignored it,” he said in a comment to the University’s statement.
According to Pascua, the late student sought additional projects to improve his grades but his request was rejected. He also claimed that no University official informed the family of Toledo’s “alarming emotional state” even if CRS had known of his situation since last year.
CSC expressed support for the Toledo family’s pursuit of “truth, accountability and justice.”
“We will continue to honor Junver’s memory as his name will continue to be remembered, and his story will remain a part of the call for academic change,” it said.
On May 29, Thomasians gathered for a candle lighting and prayer vigil to call for justice for Toledo. A requiem mass at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church was also held last May 26 for his eternal repose. F — Veancy Palad
