Brandon Mile Padua, a third-year student of the UST Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy, died at age 21 after succumbing to Covid-19 on Sept. 15.
Brandon tested positive for Covid-19 on Sept. 6 and experienced fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, his mother Ma. Nerissa told the Varsitarian.
He was brought to the hospital the same day he tested positive for the disease. Brandon had low oxygen levels and a high heart rate, his mother said.
While at the hospital, Ma. Nerissa said her son had multiple organ failure.
Brandon was not vaccinated for Covid-19.
Padua was enrolled for the first term of Academic Year 2021 to 2022 in the accountancy program. He finished senior high school at iAcademy in Makati.
Padua is the youngest and only son in his family. His mother recalled him as artistic, musical and kind.
“He was always on stage during school events (including his prom) as the guitar player. He loves anime and manga,” Ma. Nerissa said.
“He believed in God, which is why when he matured, he decided to treat everyone he meets [with] kindness and respect. He chose to hold himself when people around him would hurt him,” she added.
Apol Reyes, a friend of Padua since sixth grade, described him as a quiet person.
“He never asked anything for himself, and he was always considerate of others,” Reyes told the Varsitarian.
Brandon’s remains were cremated on Sept. 15 and will be brought to Malolos, Bulacan. A memorial program will be held for him on Sept. 24 via Zoom.
