By Mark Vincent A. Durano

In commemoration of his first death anniversary, Far Eastern University (FEU) students called for the institution’s accountability for the claimed ‘unfair’ education system that caused Medical Technology (MedTech) student Keilo Acuin’s passing in a candle-lighting vigil at FEU Gate 4 earlier today, July 17.

The mobilization slammed the University’s lack of ‘genuine solutions’ that could have prevented mental health damages, especially for MedTech students. 

The protesters emphasized that Acuin is just one of the victims of an ‘inhumane’ education system, still felt even a year after his untimely passing.

In his solidarity speech, Anakbayan - FEU Chairperson Alecx Ymson echoed the continuous sufferings of students in the University.

“It is clear that our academic institutions have a long way to go in prioritizing and serving the masses. Hanggang ngayon, naglalagas pa rin ang estudyante ng FEU. Hanggang ngayon, maraming mga MedTech students ang bumabagsak, waitlisted, at walang kasiguraduhan sa kanilang edukasyon at kinabukasan (Until now, the student population of FEU drops. Until now, a lot of MedTech students are failing, waitlisted, and unsure of their education and future),” he said.

Ymson denounced the policies imposed by nation leaders that threaten a student’s learning experience through economic charter change, increased tuition fees, campus militarization, and fascist attacks that silence progressive movements.

The protest also claimed neoliberal education system as the root of common struggles by students.

“When the pressure does not drive to academic fulfillment but mere survival, it’s clear that the system is not built with student welfare and quality education in mind,” the Anakbayan chairperson added.

Moreover, FEU Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing Student Council President Lawrence Aiden Cunanan also dubbed the aspiring MedTech intern’s death as a testament to the importance of mental health in a student’s academic journey.

“Let this be a lesson, not only for us students, but the University and our nation-builders. We shall prioritize the overall well-being of our students in our programs, initiatives, way of teaching, and community at all costs,” he said.

Cunanan also urged stakeholders to ease expectations that may academically pressure a student, stressing to allow rooms for improvement.

As homage, the late MedTech student’s organization Delta Harmonica also offered a song at the vigil.

Other representatives from Medical Technology Society and FEU Central Student Organization also gave their solidarity messages for the demised student.

Additionally, FEU Ministry offered prayers for the deceased student during a mass, allowing letters and flowers for Acuin at the FEU Chapel earlier noon.

Acuin met his untimely passing a year ago after falling from the footbridge along España Boulevard cor. P. Campa Street at the age of 22. 

He was supposed to graduate this year but was one with the 85 percent of MedTech students who did not meet the required quality point average for promotion as incoming fourth-year students.

- With Reports from Zedrich Xylak Madrid
(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)