DepEd refuses to ban field trips

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) remained adamant on the value of field trips for students despite recent appeals to prohibit schools from making group learning excursions a requirement.

Although a student died in an accident during a field trip last Feb. 8, DepEd spokesperson Tonisito Umali said that the activity is still a valuable means for students to learn outside the classroom.

Umali added that museum tours and trips to historical locations give young learners a more complete experience than just hearing about them in classes.

The agency, however, will be looking on the possibility of forbidding schools from holding tourist trips in distant and risky locations, Umali said.

Carlos Villanueva, the driver of the bus which rolled down the slope and killed a 14-year-old high school student during a field trip was recently charged with negligence leading to homicide and serious physical injuries.

The accident prompted the father of victim Rio Bianca Ramirez, a student of the Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos, to call on DepEd officials to ban field trips.