UST Mourns the Loss of Student Following Suicide Over Failing Mark- On May 17, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) community was struck by the tragic news of the passing of a graduating student, Junver Combate Toledo, who reportedly took his own life after failing a subject in his final semester. Toledo, a 22-year-old student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy program, was described by his family and peers as an otherwise hardworking individual, with his suicide deeply affecting the university and those who knew him.
The university expressed its condolences to Toledo’s family, stating in an official statement, “It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of one of our graduating students, Junver Toledo, of our BS Physical Therapy program.” The statement further extended heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult period. This statement was issued by the university on May 20, three days after the student’s death.
Toledo’s suicide appears to have been directly linked to his academic struggles. In a note that was shared by his father, Oliver Toledo, Junver confessed that he had fallen short of the passing mark in one of his subjects by just 1.5 percent. In his message, Junver also apologized to his parents for concealing this failure from them and expressed feelings of hopelessness and despair over the situation. He confessed that he did not know how to handle the failure and feared facing additional failures in the future. A relative of Toledo revealed on Facebook that, aside from this one subject, Junver had successfully passed all other courses that semester, underscoring that his academic performance was generally strong.
The loss of Junver Toledo has sparked an outpouring of grief within the UST community. In its statement, the university reiterated its commitment to the mental health and well-being of its students. “Our counselors stand ready to provide support to Thomasian students, especially during these trying times,” UST assured, adding that university psychiatrists and psychologists were available to assist those in need. The university has also emphasized the availability of support services, reflecting the institution’s ongoing efforts to care for its students’ mental and emotional health, especially amid the pressures associated with academic life.
The Toledo family has arranged for the 22-year-old’s remains to be laid in state at Funeraria Gambito in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. A funeral is planned for the following day, May 26, to lay the young student to rest.
In the wake of this tragedy, UST has urged those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress to seek help. The university echoed the message from the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), which provides helplines for anyone in need of assistance. These include: 1553, +180018881553, 09190571553, and 09178998727.
The tragic passing of Junver Toledo serves as a sobering reminder of the immense pressures faced by students in higher education, particularly as they near graduation. It underscores the need for ongoing conversations around mental health support, particularly in academic environments where expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. The loss of a promising young life due to academic stress highlights the critical importance of maintaining mental well-being and reaching out for help in times of crisis.
UST’s community has vowed to honor the memory of Toledo while continuing to provide the support that all its students deserve, especially in moments of vulnerability. This heartbreaking event calls for greater awareness and improved resources to address the mental health challenges faced by students today.
