QC to prohibit swimming, carnivals on field trips

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City public schools will soon be prohibited from conducting field trips that include activities such as swimming and carnival rides.

The city council has approved an ordinance seeking the creation of a field trip committee that will evaluate requests from public schools for the conduct of educational field trips. The measure has yet to be signed by Mayor Herbert Bautista.

“Reports continue to thrive on field trips being disadvantageous to poor families and such in far-flung areas and of seemingly less educational significance,” read the measure.

Under the measure, elementary students will be limited to areas in Metro Manila, with exception of historical sites duly approved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

It also prohibits trips to malls and attendance at noontime television shows unless the proposed activities complement or supplement the school’s curriculum.

No discrimination

It stressed that students shall be afforded equal opportunities, and that no discrimination and utmost consideration should be given to students who cannot afford costly field trips.

The measure also prohibits penalties on non-participants, such as deducting points from grades or requiring them to submit reports or projects. Students shall also not be given additional points for joining the trip.

The proponent, fifth district Councilor Aly Medalla, said the creation of a field trip committee – organized by the Quezon City Division of City Schools – will ensure the significance of the educational trips and would safeguard the student-participants.