|
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Girl who committed suicide laid to rest
By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO CITY -- The burial of a young girl who committed suicide over her family's poverty drew a crowd Saturday--from her neighbors, teachers, and classmates to personalities from local and national government agencies.
Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada.
Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.
Last minute visitors flocked for final prayers to Mariannet Amper's small home in an uphill portion of Bugac, Ma-a. The path leading to the house was slippery due to Friday night's heavy downpour.
Manet's casket was carried out through the window and male neighbors bore it down the descending path with apparent difficulty.
A mass, celebrated by Fr. Zenon Ampong, was held at the small chapel of Sta. Cruz--about 500 meters away from the Amper home. After which, the girl was led to her final resting place at the Ma-a public cemetery.
In an interview, Isabelo Amper, Mariannet's father, said he is thankful that they got permission for the holding of a final mass.
"Nagpasalamat ko na gidungog among hangyo nga misahan ang bata kay arun mabendisyonan pud siya," Mariannet's father said. (I am happy that the our prayers for a mass were answered. I pleaded for a mass so there would be blessing for the child.)
He added that if he only has the resources to get the family a new home, he would move them out of the house where they have been living for 10 years.
"Gusto na nako biyaan ning balaya ni. Di ko ganahan makit-an kung asa siya namatay matag sulod nako sa balay," Amper said. (I want to leave this place. I don't want to see the place where my daughter took her own life.)
Earlier Saturday, Department of Education Undersecretary Vilma Labrador visited Ma-a Central Elementary School where Manet used to study.
Labrador said she has ordered an investigation on the case but added she does not believe that Manet's teacher is guilty of pressuring the child to submit the project.
Neighbors doubt that poverty caused the child to end her life.
An older female friend, with whom Manet used to tag along in walks around the neighborhood, said they knew the girl as smart and strong-willed.
"Dili mi kato-o nga ang bata nga pareha niya nga taas ug pangarap kay mao ra nay rason para magpakamatay," the friend said though she refused to be named. (I don't think a child with such high dreams would take her own life for such reason.)
With the child's death, sympathy poured out for the Amper family in form of donations -- food, money and even goats -- just as Manet dreamed for her family.
The father said he would use the donations to start a better for his family as a tribute to Manet's memory.
But even with Manet being laid to rest, speculations about the "real" reasons for her suicide still float around refusing to be laid to rest. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (November 11, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Tenants plead for Lapu’s help