Ched to probe death of college student

MANILA -- An official of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) is calling for an in-depth investigation into the death of a college student in Pampanga.

In a statement on Monday, Ched Commissioner and Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) Board of Regents chairperson Ronald Adamat said he wanted to “determine if there is culpability on the part of DHVTSU with regard to Kenneth Masa Ramos’ suicide and if sanctions can be imposed.”

Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, died by suicide on April 4 after DHVTSU told him that he is not eligible to graduate this year for failing seven subjects.

In an initial meeting about the case on Monday, April 23, Adamat asked the university officials to verify if Ramos was included in the initial list of graduating students this year and if Ramos failed to comply with the graduation requirements “despite the university’s efforts to advise and notify him of his deficiencies.”

Adamat advised DHVTSU president Dr. Enrique Baking to create an investigative committee that will specifically address the issue.

Adamat said that he will personally lead the investigative committee which will consist of representatives from the Ched Legal and Legislative Services, the Office of Students and Development Services, and the university student regent.

He added that Baking agreed to a special meeting of the board of regents on Wednesday, April 25.

Apart from the creation of an investigative committee, the university’s policies and guidelines on graduating students will be reviewed to avoid a similar issue in the future. (PNA)