Halt on field trips sought until Tanay crash probe completed

15 people died after a bus hit a post in Tanay, Rizal. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Inquirer

A commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) has proposed to put on hold all educational trips in all colleges and universities in the country until an investigation on the accident that killed 15 people in Tanay, Rizal is completed.

In a statement, Commissioner Prospero de Vera on Tuesday said the Tanay incident should be a reminder to authorities that they “must be very strict in regulating the use of public transportation for school sponsored trips.”

“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.

“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,” he added.

A tourist bus carrying mostly students and teachers of Bestlink Colleges of the Philippines rammed an electric post in Tanay and left the driver, a teacher and 13 students dead and at least 40 passengers injured. Police said the bus, owned by Panda Coach Tours, was travelling downhill on an accident-prone dead curve when it apparently lost its break.

READ: Bus crash death toll hits 15; teacher among dead

According to 2012 Ched memorandum, appropriate clearance from the concerned local government and private offices must be secured before the approval of an educational trip.

De Vera said Ched will expedite its investigation to determine if proper procedures were observed by school authorities.

“We must determine if higher education institutions comply with requirements of safety and whether current policies adequately protect students,” he added. IDL