UST, may pahayag ukol graduating student na pumanaw; nakiramay, nangako supporta sa mental health

- The University of Santo Tomas has issued a statement about the passing of one of its students

- 22-year-old BS Physical Therapy student Junver Toledo tragically passed away on May 18

- UST’s official statement emphasizes its commitment to student well-being

- The University, in its statement, also offered readily available counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists to assist students

The academic community of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is in mourning following the tragic passing of one of its graduating students, Junver Toledo, a 22-year-old pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.

The university issued a solemn statement on Thursday, May 22, confirming Toledo’s death and extending its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Reports from The Varsitarian, the UST school paper, and Manila times, indicate that Toledo passed away on Sunday, May 18, after allegedly taking his own life.

While the specific details surrounding the incident are sensitive, some reports claim that his death was linked to academic matters.

In its official statement, UST expressed profound sadness, recognizing the grief and pain that Toledo's loss brings to all who knew him.

“On behalf of the community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the university's statement read.

It also emphasized the importance of respecting the family’s privacy as they navigate through their mourning.

The university immediately deployed its support services to those closest to Toledo and others affected by the incident.

This rapid response underscores UST’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its students and stakeholders.

The statement further assured that the university’s counselors are readily available to provide support to Thomasian students, especially during challenging times such as this.

In addition to counseling, students can also access assistance from university psychiatrists and psychologists, both from institutional departments and volunteer groups.

Toledo’s passing, occurring as he was on the cusp of completing his degree, has cast a somber shadow over the campus and sparked conversations about the immense academic pressures faced by students.

The demanding nature of higher education, coupled with personal challenges, can significantly impact mental health, necessitating robust support systems within academic institutions.

The University of Santo Tomas concluded its statement by commending Toledo’s soul, stating, “We commend the soul of Junver to our Father’s loving embrace. May he rest in peace.”

The incident serves as a poignant reminder to universities and educational institutions about the critical importance of fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student mental health alongside academic excellence.

Discussions about mental health resources and strategies to alleviate academic stress within university settings remain vital for preventing such tragedies.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a 68-year-old man from Lapu-Lapu City received ₱20,000 for undergoing circumcision through the local government's "Operation Tuli" program. The program offers ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 to men aged 20 and above who voluntarily get circumcised. Despite his age, the senior citizen joined for health benefits and to support his daily needs. The LGU confirmed there’s no age limit as long as participants are medically fit and willing.

Still in other news, President Marcos has ordered his cabinet to tender their courtesy resignations post-midterm elections. The president said he wanted to “recalibrate” his administration after the recent midterm polls. PBBM emphasized that the directive is not personal but focused on “performance, alignment, and urgency,” aiming to realign government with public expectations for “results—not politics, not excuses.” The order comes after President Marcos publicly noted that the election results indicated public disappointment with government services and the pace of project implementation.

Source: KAMI.com.gh