The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said that the reported suicide cases of teachers and student should not be directly connected to modules or distance learning which is being implemented this school year.
In a statement, the DepEd said that “suicide is a sensitive and complex issue” and appealed to the general public to stop directly connecting such incidents to the learning delivery modalities under distance/blended learning.
“We have received police blotters, incident reports, statements of families, and initial investigation of the cases, and none of them referred to distance learning as the primary cause,” DepEd said.
The DepEd also cautioned the public against groups and individuals “who use these unfortunate events” in an attempt to discredit the efforts of the agency. “We would like to request the public to respect the families’ privacy and avoid speculating on the cause of death,” it said.
The DepEd extended its condolences to the families of teachers and students who reportedly died by suicide. “DepEd is saddened to learn about the deaths of teachers and learners in these difficult times,” it said. “We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and loved ones of our DepEd family members,” it added.
The DepEd also assured that its field offices are in contact with the grieving families to provide urgent relief and assistance. The DepEd said it will continue to “reach out to our teachers, staff, and learners to provide them with vital mental health and psychosocial services.”
The agency is also requesting the students, teachers, and other staff to “stay in touch and stay connected to our loved ones” during these challenging times. “Together, we shall overcome,” it added.
For urgent mental health support, the DepEd is enjoining concerned individuals to contact the DOH’s National Center for Mental Health 24/7 Crisis Hotline numbers at 0917 899 8727(USAP) and 989 8727(USAP).