Kristel Tejada is laid to rest

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) Manila freshman Kristel Tejada was laid to rest on Saturday, March 23. 

A last mass was held for her at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Tondo before her remains were brought to the Manila North Cemetery Saturday afternoon, March 23. 

Many joined the funeral march, and Tejada’s parents, Christopher and Blesilda, were touched by the outpouring of support from Tejada’s teachers and classmates in UP Manila.

At the wake, a letter Kristel supposedly wrote appealing for financial assistance from a Manila city councilor was prominently displayed. In the letter, Kristel said in Filipino that education was the “only treasure” of the poor.

Tejada’s death resulted in UP’s decision to lift its “no late payment policy.” The University is also in the process of reviewing its Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). 

In lifting the “no late payment” policy, the UP administration admitted that the UP Code, which was the basis for the policy, was archaic and inflexible.

The widely criticized policy was lifted by UP President Alfredo Pascual after UP Manila Chancellor Manuel Agulto announced to the media that he did not feel guilty over Tejada’s death. – Rappler.com