PSHS student dies after collapsing during graduation rehearsals

Philippine Science High School. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Three days before his graduation from high school, a fourth year student of the Philippine Science High School died after reportedly collapsing during a graduation rehearsal on campus on Tuesday.

Initial reports reaching the Quezon City Police District identified the student as Rodesto Michael Lacerna, 15, of section IV-Tau.

QCPD deputy director for administrator Senior Supt. Joel Pagdilao said the boy collapsed at around 9 a.m. during a rehearsal for the PSHS graduation rites, scheduled on Friday.

A source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak with the media, told the INQUIRER that the student was with his other batchmates at the graduation practice at the school gymnasium.

Upon collapsing, the boy was first brought to the school clinic but he was already unconscious.

Masambong police station commander Supt. Pedro Sanchez said Lacerna was then rushed to the Philippine Children Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Lea Mislang.

As of press time, police officials have no information as to the cause of death of the student.

The PSHS, a government school specializing in the sciences, reportedly declared a half-day for students on Tuesday following the incident, the source added.