Davao de Oro — A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, where a teacher died after reportedly suffering from immense stress following a reprimand from the school principal. The teacher, identified as Marjorie Espinosa Llanto, had been serving for 30 years at Tibagon Elementary School when the tragic event occurred.
The incident began when, during a class, one of Teacher Marjorie’s students hit their head on a bench after dancing and playing, causing the child to bleed. At the time, Teacher Marjorie was busy checking papers and was unable to intervene. The student went home with the injury, leading the child’s mother to report the incident to the school principal.
It was also reported that the child did not receive first aid at school, as Teacher Marjorie had a known fear of blood. This resulted in a severe scolding from the principal, questioning her competence as a teacher. The reprimand, described as harsh and public, deeply affected the long-serving teacher.
According to her relatives and a post by her niece, Hannah Llanto, Teacher Marjorie expressed her deep hurt over the incident in messages shared with parents in their group chat (GC). She mentioned feeling humiliated and saddened, stating that in her 30 years of teaching, she had never experienced such treatment. Her relatives noted that she had been carrying the emotional weight of the scolding for weeks leading up to her death.
Tragically, after the confrontation with the principal, Teacher Marjorie collapsed and later passed away. Her family believes the intense stress and emotional distress from the incident contributed to her untimely death.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Davao de Oro has since released an official statement offering their condolences to the family of Teacher Marjorie. DepEd has also launched an investigation into the matter, with plans to summon the principal involved for further questioning.
The incident has sparked discussions about the pressures teachers face and the importance of addressing workplace stress and proper conflict resolution within the education system. DepEd Davao de Oro has committed to reviewing the situation to prevent similar tragedies in the future while supporting the grieving family.
Teacher Marjorie’s death has left her community in mourning, with many calling for a more compassionate approach in handling issues involving educators.
