Optional accident insurance for field trips encouraged

The Department of Education (DepEd) is urging private and public schools to get optional accident insurance for their students who are joining field trips.

In an order, Education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus said schools should also secure written consent from parents for such educational trips.

"Teachers should always accompany schoolchildren from the time they assemble for the field trip up to the time they leave for their respective homes. Parent-volunteers should also be encouraged to join to help in looking after the schoolchildren," he said.

De Jesus’ order came in the wake of a recent tragedy in Isabela where an overloaded bus carrying pupils of an elementary school on a field trip slammed into a tree, killing at least 12 people, mostly children.

De Jesus said schools should select the "safest mode of transportation" for field trips.

"(Drivers) should be advised against taking any alcoholic drinks for the entire duration of the field trip," he said.

He added that vehicles should not be overloaded and no student should be allowed to ride on the boarding platform.

And if the field trips involve swimming and other recreational activities, De Jesus advised teachers and other authorized people to always keep a sharp eye on the students.

"(These) are only some of the many possible precautionary measures. School principals and teachers are enjoined to identify more measures, guided by the principle that they exercise temporary parental authority over the schoolchildren," he said. – Sheila Crisostomo