DepEd warns public, groups to stop linking suicide incidents to modules, distance learning

On Tuesday, the Department of Education (DepEd) 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.

Photo credit: forbes.com

In a statement, DepEd said that “suicide is a sensitive and complex issue” and also warned the public against some individuals and groups that are using these incidents allegedly to defame and undermine the efforts of the department.

Nais naming ipanawagan na itigil ang pagkonekta nito sa mga modyul o sa distance learning,

it said.

[We would like to call on to stop connecting (suicide cases) to modules or to distance learning.]

Binabalaan din namin ang publiko sa mga grupo o indibidwal na ginagamit ang mga nasabing insidente upang siraan at isantabi ang mga pagsisikap ng Kagawaran.

[We also warn the public against groups or individuals using such incidents to discredit and set aside the department's efforts.]

Citing reports from authorities and concerned families, DepEd said none of these suicide incidents were proven to be linked to distance learning.

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.

According to DepEd, its field offices are already reaching out to their families to provide assistance.

Hinihiling namin sa publiko na igalang ang pribadong buhay ng pamilyang naiwan at gayundin ang pag-iwas sa mga kuro-kuro ukol sa sanhi ng pagkamatay ng kanilang kaanak,

it added.

[We ask the public to respect the private lives of the victims and avoid rumors about the cause of suicide.]

DepEd also assured that its field offices are in contact with the grieving families to provide urgent relief and assistance. 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, 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).