Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed grave concern over reports of difficulties experienced by Bestlink College of the Philippines students during a recent field trip to Bataan. Students allegedly walked for extended periods under challenging conditions due to transportation problems. Gatchalian stressed that field trips should be educational and prioritize student safety. He highlighted previous incidents, including a fatal bus accident during a 2017 school trip, and urged educational institutions to prioritize safety and responsibility in off-campus activities. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has issued a show-cause order against Bestlink College following the latest incident.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian voiced deep concern over the reported mishaps during a recent field trip to Bataan involving students from Bestlink College of the Philippines.
Reports claimed that students were forced to walk for hours under harsh conditions due to transportation issues. Gatchalian emphasized that field trips should enhance education while ensuring the safety and well-being of students. “The failure to ensure students’ well-being is unacceptable. This is not the first time that the school conducted an off-campus activity that resulted in a mishap,” the senator revealed.
In 2017, a tragic bus accident during another school trip claimed 15 lives, including students and a teacher. The Commission on Higher Education has issued a show-cause order against Bestlink College following this latest incident. “Educational institutions must uphold the highest standards of care and responsibility when organizing off-campus activities,” Gatchalian reminded.
FIELD TRIPS SAFETY BESTLINK COLLEGE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION SENATOR GATCHALIAN
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