Scope and Purpose of Educational Field Trips
- Field trips are integral to public elementary and secondary education in Quezon City.
- Their main purpose is to enhance student knowledge and skills, supplementing the curriculum.
Regulatory Framework and Policy References
- The Ordinance aligns with various DepEd and DECS Orders and Memoranda including:
- DepEd Regional Memorandum No. 134, S-2013
- DepEd Memorandum No. 529, S-2009
- DepEd Orders Nos. 32, 51, 52
- DECS Order No. 56, S-2001
- It also reflects policies of the Quezon City Local School Board Resolution No. 8, S-2012 regarding cultural heritage sites.
Approval Process and Requirements for Field Trips
- All educational field trips require prior approval from the Schools Division Superintendent.
- A Division Educational Field Trip Committee evaluates requests based on educational significance and student welfare.
- Schools must submit comprehensive documentation at least one month before the trip, including:
- Joint PTA, student government, and faculty club resolution stating need, itinerary, fees, and voluntariness.
- Sponsoring department head’s request letter detailing purpose and benefits.
- Certification from the School's BAC on cost and provider selection.
- Insurance policy of transportation vehicles.
- Valid LTFRB Certificates and vehicle registrations.
- Driver's license copies.
- Service provider business permits and registrations.
- Proposed contracts.
- Parent consent forms clearly stating voluntary participation and academic neutrality.
- Appeals on denials may be filed with the Division of City Schools.
- Trips exceeding one day require approval two months in advance.
- Financial statements must be submitted within five days post-trip.
Itinerary Restrictions and Guidelines
- Trips for Grades 1-6 are limited to Metro Manila except for certified historical sites.
- Swimming, carnival rides, mall visits, or TV show attendances are generally prohibited unless academically justified.
- Emphasis on visiting cultural heritage sites within Quezon City.
Field Trip Fee and Participation
- Equal opportunities for all students must be ensured; no discrimination based on economic status.
- Participation is voluntary; non-participating students cannot be penalized academically or otherwise.
- No academic advantage shall be given to participants.
Safety and Conduct During Field Trips
- Schools must inform students and parents about itinerary, security, and rules.
- Teachers must accompany students the entire time.
- Parent volunteers are encouraged to assist in supervision.
- Transportation selected must be safe, with compliance to passenger capacity.
- Prohibition on riding on vehicle roofs or external boarding platforms.
- Drivers must exercise high diligence.
- First-aid kits must be readily available.
Administration and Implementation
- The Schools Division Superintendent administers the Ordinance.
- School principals are responsible for implementation.
- Copies of the Ordinance are distributed to principals and PTA members.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Penalties for officials or employees approving or participating in unapproved field trips include:
- First offense: P1,000 fine
- Second offense: P2,500 fine
- Third and subsequent offenses: P5,000 fine and suspension of all field trips for the remaining school period and following year.
Rules, Separability, and Conformity
- The Division of City Schools must issue implementing rules consistent with DepEd guidelines.
- Any unconstitutional provision shall not invalidate the remainder of the Ordinance.
- The Ordinance conforms to future DepEd Orders and Memoranda.
- Conflicting laws and issuances are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Ordinance takes effect 30 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.