The family of a Grade 10 student from Siwalo National High School in Maasin, Iloilo is attributing his tragic death to the premature release of his grades – urging an investigation by the Department of Education (DepEd) and demanding accountability from school officials.

The 16-year-old, known as Nonoy, was found dead in an alleged suicide on May 10, shortly after reportedly receiving failing marks. The student had left a note expressing despair over the situation.

During a meeting at the Schools Division Superintendent’s office on June 18, Ma’am Laura, the student’s subject teacher, revealed that the grades were not finalized, placing blame on the student’s class adviser for the premature release.

Ma’am Laura asserted that despite the grades not being complete, the adviser had opted to release the incomplete report card, causing significant distress to the student. 

According to the family’s account of the meeting, Ma’am Laura repeatedly emphasized that the grades were unfinished and highlighted that the class adviser proceeded to release the report card to her son, which the family believes exacerbated his emotional state. 

A report by XFM Radyo Patrol quoting the family told that Ma’am Laura reiterated this account consistently throughout their nearly one-hour confrontation, 

The meeting, convened by Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr., Iloilo Schools Division superintendent, aimed to address the circumstances surrounding Nonoy’s failing grades of 64, 69, and 66 in Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP).

Nonoy’s family asserts that academic pressure and the actions of his teacher pushed him over the edge. They also cite Nonoy’s distress over difficulties in meeting a class requirement to prepare pork adobo, exacerbated by financial constraints, as contributing factors to his decision to take his own life.

The incident has sparked calls for accountability and reforms within the educational system. The DepEd has launched an investigation into the premature release of grades and school staff protocols.The Iloilo Schools Division has recommended administrative action against the teacher and referred the case to the DepEd Region 6.