An official of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) called for a moratorium on all field trips and educational tours in all private and public colleges and universities following the tourist bus accident in Tanay, Rizal that claimed 15 students lives and left more than 30 others injured.
CHED Commissioner Prospero de Vera III said that until the investigation on the incident is completed, a moratorium is needed.
"I will request the Commission en banc today to immediately issue a directive to all higher education institutions so we can properly investigate this tragedy and review current policies covering field trips," de Vera said.
Initial investigation said the bus with college students from Bestlink College on board was bound for a medical and survival training for their National Service Training Program (NSTP) subject when it lose brakes while traversing a curved highway.The uncontrolled bus rammed an electric post and a nearby tree along Magnetic Hill in Peligrini Farm, Sito Baykan, Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.
"While it is true that field trips are essential to give students the opportunity to see and explore new things, enhance their learning experience in a natural setting, and provide for interest-driven and hands on training, the safety of the students on field trips must be ensured at all times by school authorities," de Vera added.
The tragedy must be a "reminder that we must be very strict in regulating the use of public transportation for school sponsored trips. We must also determine if higher education institutions comply with requirements of safety and whether current policies adequately protect students," according to De Vera.
The CHED official reminded that before they hold educational tours or field trips,colleges and universities need to inform their regional offices one month prior to the event.
He added that educational tours and field trips are regulated under CHED Memorandum Order No. 17 which requires:
1) The education tour/field is essential to enhance the curriculum of the course;
2) Prior consultation with students are made when there are additional costs involved;
3) The information is included in the Student Handbook and discussed during the student orientation; and
4) Risk assessment procedures are discussed with parents.
1) The education tour/field is essential to enhance the curriculum of the course;
2) Prior consultation with students are made when there are additional costs involved;
3) The information is included in the Student Handbook and discussed during the student orientation; and
4) Risk assessment procedures are discussed with parents.
De Vera said that CHED have already instructed Officials of Bestlink College to submit an incident report to CHED National Capital Region in order to determine if there were violations on the regulation.
Meanwhile, the CHED official expressed deep sympathy toward the bereaved families.
"We share the grief and bereavement of the families who lost their [loved] ones and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. We will expedite the necessary investigation to determine if proper procedures were observed by school authorities, impose the necessary sanctions, if warranted, and determine whether existing policies adequately protect the safety of students," de Vera said.
On the other hand, despite the plea of parents and the tragedy that happened it was also reported that Bestlink College officials decided to continue the medical and survival training for the rest of the groups .
According to De Vera, the decision of the school's camping trip to push through is considered insensitive and irresponsible.
"Bestlink College should now cancel the camping activity, bring the students home safely, and provide counseling for the students, their friends and their families," de Vera said.
DepEd and CHED reiterated that field trips are not mandatory and the students can choose whether they will join or not. They also advisd the parents to attend PTA meetings in order to be aware of the activities at the involving their children.
DepEd and CHED reiterated that field trips are not mandatory and the students can choose whether they will join or not. They also advisd the parents to attend PTA meetings in order to be aware of the activities at the involving their children.
Source: GMA News Online
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