A 16-year-old student at the Siwalo National High School in Maasin, Iloilo has allegedly committed suicide due to a failing grade given to him after falling short of budget to complete a project.

In an interview with the mother, it was said the Grade 10 student was found hanging in a tree near their home last week, just days after the student came home showing disappointment. 

He said he failed a project which required an ingredient that his parents didn’t have the budget for. As he failed to complete the project, his teacher allegedly gave him marks below the minimum passing grade of 75. 

Several photos online have been circulating showing his report card which showed a grade of 64 in the first quarter and 69 in the second quarter for the Technology and Llivelihood Education subject, as well as the student’s alleged suicide note written in Ilonggo and read: “Ma, I can’t go to school because I can’t stand it because Ma’am Laura has a project that I can’t do. I’m sorry.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released a statement, extending its condolences to the family and friends of the Grade 10 learner. 

The agency said the school will coordinate with the appropriate authorities on the matter and will have its Child Protection Committee conduct psychosocial interventions for affected peers and teachers close to the said learner.

Pending the official police report, DepEd also appealed to the public “to refrain from spreading unconfirmed narratives as a sign of respect for the family in this time of grief.”