University of Santo Tomas (UST) students gathered for a program and lit candles at their campus in Manila on May 29 to call for justice over the death of their fellow student, Junver Toledo, 22. Toledo, a student at the UST College of Rehabilitation Sciences, reportedly died by suicide on May 17 because of academic pressure.

His family said Toledo left behind a letter saying he could no longer bear the pressure after failing a subject for the second time. Toledo was supposed to graduate in June.

The victim’s sibling also shared that Toledo did not have any other failing grades during his time at the university. Junver graduated from high school at the Philippine Science High School-Cagayan Valley Campus.

Rise for Education-España led the program. They offered prayers and called for justice for Toledo. They followed this with a discussion and study session about mental health.

Kabataan Party-list-UST delivered a statement saying that the tragedy of Toledo’s death reflects the silent crisis affecting thousands of students. The group called on the UST administration to move beyond rhetoric and sympathy for students and instead take decisive and meaningful action to address the issues and protect students.

The Tomasino youth had three main demands in light of the incident. First, conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the victim’s death. Second, pursue reforms in the curriculum of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Third, strengthen mental health services within the university.

The group also criticized the implementation of Outcomes-Based Education in the country. They said that OBE is a framework pushed by the Commission on Higher Education in all colleges and universities. This kind of education, according to them, molds students like robots who only respond to the needs of industry and global standards.

“The call for justice for Junver is for all students,” the KPL-UST emphasized.