I'm sure almost everyone in the Philippines has heard of the student in UP Manila who committed suicide because she was declared as not enrolled by the University when she failed to pay her tuition fees at the scheduled times.

With her economic status, the University should have provided her with the proper financial assistance that she very well deserved. Even when she was already declared as not enrolled, she still went to her classes - because she wanted to LEARN.

I have been teaching for 3 years now... and I have encountered many students who want to finish college, but lack the funds. On the other hand, I have also encountered students who has all the funds provided for them, but they throw it away by not attending class and/or dropping out of school.

If only those who can afford to go to school will just give their money away to those who actually want to finish college, then maybe this world will be a better place.

Ms. Tejada's suicide was meant to be an eye-opener for the Filipinos. That Education should once again be the focus of the government in terms of funds. Schools (especially colleges) should provide the proper scholarships for deserving students.

UP students are already fighting for justice over their schoolmate's death... hoping that she will not die in vain. No student should ever again resort to suicide when overwhelmed by financial problems.

I tell my students multiple times how lucky they are to study at our school... because we don't declare students as "not enrolled" if they fail to pay their tuition fees. Most of our students are children of farmers, vendors, carpenters, or public vehicle drivers. So, we try to make all financial obligations easy for them as much as we can.

Rest in Peace Ms. Tejada and I hope that your life will truly make a big difference in this country.