I do not know her, but her story is familiar. An outstanding student from an impoverished family getting into the university wanting to get a shot of a better life not only for herself but for her family. Her story is the story of hundreds of thousands of Filipino students wanting to graduate to provide for her family. Her story is the story of hundreds of thousands of Filipino students who believe that education can unshackle them from the grip of poverty. Her story is the story of hundreds of thousands of Filipino students who hope that even if they do not have the money to finish college,they can, because they know it is their right and not their privilege.
But her story ended bitterly.
A few days ago Kristel took away her life by drinking silver cleaner. There may be a lot of causes but one is evident- she was forced to take a leave of absence because she and her family cannot raise ten thousasnd pesos for her enrollment. Ten thousand pesos in exchange for the life of a young child. Ten thousand pesos in exchange for her dreams of providing for her family. The worst part is that she is a student of the most premier state-owned university in the Philippines.
What ever happened to education being a right? Whatever happened to UP being a state-owned university? Shouldn't the government pay for the tuition fees of their poor but deserving students? Whatever happened to being an Iskolar ng Bayan?
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