John Kerby C. Cañelas was still a college student building his future when a jeepney crash in Mataas na Lupa, Indang, Cavite, changed everything. The third-year BS Industrial Engineering student suffered a spinal cord injury and fractures to both femurs in the August 13 accident and later died after undergoing treatment at University of Santo Tomas Hospital.
The accident left Cañelas facing a long and difficult hospital stay. Doctors treated his serious injuries and performed surgery, but his condition placed his family under growing financial pressure as medical costs continued to rise.
By August 24, the hospital expenses had reportedly reached ₱440,540.50. The amount became part of the appeal for assistance made by the CEIT Student Council and PIIE CVSU-SC as they asked members of the community to help the Cañelas family deal with the costs that had built up during his treatment.
Cañelas was a member of the 3-1 class and took part in student organization work. He was involved with AMBUSH through the Committee on Audit and Risk Assessment, or CARA. Through those activities, he became connected with classmates, fellow student leaders and others across the university community.
His death was announced on August 25. The news brought grief to people who had known him not only as a student but also as a friend and organization member. For many of them, the loss is difficult to separate from the fact that Cañelas was still young and had been preparing for a career in industrial engineering.
The student organizations offered condolences to the Cañelas family while also asking for support. Financial assistance was listed through GCash account 0909 393 4701 under Yvette Cañelas, his mother. People considering a donation were encouraged to confirm the information with the family or the relevant organizations before sending money.
The case has left two painful realities for those close to him. His family is dealing with the loss of a son while also facing the financial burden created by his hospitalization. His classmates and fellow student leaders are left with the memories of someone they knew through school, organizations and shared experiences.
John Kerby C. Cañelas had been pursuing his education and preparing for the next stage of his life. Instead, his university community is now remembering the connections he made and the future he was still trying to build when the crash brought his plans to an abrupt end.
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