Following the death of University of the Philippines (UP) student Leki Aquilino in a fire in Barangay Krus na Ligas in Quezon City, UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez has formed a task force to address student housing concerns in UP’s different campuses.
In a statement posted in the UP website, the UP Media and Public Relations Office (UP MPRO) announced that Jimenez, who formally assumed office on February 10, is “saddened by the recent tragedy caused by the fire that transpired at Barangay Krus na Ligas on 9 February 2023.”
According to CSWCD Dean Lenore Polotan Dela Cruz, Aquilino was “an outstanding student, having completed the first semester in UP Diliman as a University scholar.”
According to the UP MPRO, “the President vows to work with all Chancellors to prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
“Concerning this, he has formed a Task Force to review and take immediate and long-term actions on student accommodations across the UP System.”
“As the University prepares to return to face-to-face classes, the importance of providing more living spaces in UP’s campuses must be underscored,” read the statement.
The UP MPRO added that “accommodations on campus provide peer-to-peer support and can direct students to support and well-being services when needed.”
“They also help foster a strong sense of community through a range of social events and cultural activities, as well as practical support,” explained the UP MPRO.
Aquilino was a freshman B.S. Social Work student at the College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD).
According to CSWCD Dean Lenore Polotan Dela Cruz, Aquilino was “an outstanding student, having completed the first semester in UP Diliman as a University scholar.”
“Leki was engaged in the student community, mentoring fellow freshies and taking on active roles in the student organization, UP Alyansa. A staunch advocate of gender equality, Leki devoted time to run gender-sensitivity workshops and was a member of the UP Babaylan,” said the Dean.
“Leki demonstrated such dynamism, commitment and compassion, which makes this untimely passing even more heartbreaking. We have lost someone who exemplifies the College’s vision of transforming society in solidarity with those who are marginalized.”
