The Department of Education has lifted the temporary ban on educational field trips with the issuance of new implementing rules and guidelines for off-campus activities for all public and private, elementary and secondary schools nationwide.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones issued DepEd Order No. 66 series of 2017 last December 27 announcing the suspension of DepEd Memorandum No. 47 s. 2017 or the “Moratorium on Educational Field Trips and Other Similar Activities” upon the effectivity of guidelines on the conduct co-curricular and extracurricular off-campus activities.
Schools which would conduct co-curricular and extra-curricular activities must adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Ensure relevance and alignment with the educational competencies of the K to 12 Curriculum and leadership development of learners;
2. Uphold child protection principles and that no learner shall be disadvantaged in any form; and
3. Observe the safety and security protocols for all participants before, during and after the activity.
Briones said that the new guidelines are “in support of the K to 12 curriculum implementation.” Thus, she called out strict adherence to the set rules.
All public and private schools are reminded to make sure these activities are relevant and aligned with the educational competencies of the K to 12 Curriculum and leadership development of students.
The safety and security of all learners before, during and after these activities should also be prioritized. Child protection principles should be upheld at all times.
DepEd also reiterated that co-curricular or extra-curricular activities should have no grade requirements and should be voluntary on the learner’s part.
Meanwhile, students who chose not to attend or participate on the said activities should not be required to do special projects and/or examinations or any form of school requirements. Furthermore, school trips should not disrupt classes.
The agency is also requiring travel insurance stating, “securing travel insurance is mandatory for all off-campus activities” thus, “no one shall be allowed to join off-campus activities without travel insurance.”
