Scope
- Covers implementation and management of off-campus activities in all public and private schools
- Applies to both co-curricular (curriculum-based) and extra-curricular (non-curriculum-based) activities
Definitions
- Activity Head: Person responsible for learners during activity
- Chaperone: Person supervising learners
- Educational Field Trip: Planned travel for learning beyond classroom
- Guardian: Legal or physical custodian of child
- Off-Campus Activity: Authorized learning-related activity outside school premises
- Co-curricular: Voluntary, curricular-based activities
- Extra-curricular: Voluntary, non-curricular activities promoting holistic development
- Roadworthiness: Vehicles meeting regulatory standards for safe operation
Policy Statement and General Principles
- Activities must align with K to 12 educational competencies and leadership development
- Upholds child protection: no learner disadvantaged in any form
- Safety and security protocols observed before, during, and after activities
- Off-campus activities not to be used as fund-raising tools
- Existing policies on curricular and national activities remain in force
Categories of Off-Campus Activities
- DepEd Mandated/Initiated Activities: Organized at central, regional, division levels
- Externally Initiated Activities: Require approval from DepEd authorities or school administration
- School-Initiated Activities: Field trips and tours allowed if safe, low-cost, and supplementary
Roles and Responsibilities
- Central Office: Policy guidance, monitoring, evaluation, and resolving implementation issues
- Regional Office: Spearhead and monitor regional activities, approve proposals
- Schools Division Office: Facilitate, evaluate, monitor, and manage school-level activities
- Schools (Heads, Teachers, Parents/Guardians): Plan, review, ensure compliance, supervise, provide consent, and manage learners during activities
Preparation for Off-Campus Activities
- Planning: Should be part of annual plan, justified for curriculum relevance and safety
- Safety Measures include Buddy System, Medical Kit, Emergency Procedures, Healthy Food, Medical Clearances, Emergency Contacts, Safety and Emergency Cards, Traffic Rules, Weather Monitoring
- Site Selection: Prioritize local, relevant sites for cost-efficiency
- Service Providers: Must be accredited, with valid documents and agreements
- Special Needs: Accommodations for learners with special needs
- Parent/Guardian Conferences mandatory for information and consent
- Pre-Departure Briefing covers program, expenses, emergency protocols, safety measures
Activity Proper
- Apply school rules throughout
- Vehicle inspection on day of activity
- Manifest signing for all participants
- Headcount tracking at all venues
- Arrival briefing on safety and rules
- Close supervision; chaperones manage groups; learners not allowed to wander
- Educational component included during tours
- Designated drop-off points with supervision for learners
- Vehicle post-activity inspection and lost items handling
Post-Activity Requirements
- Learners culminating activity for reflection and synthesis
- Teachers’ post-activity evaluation meeting
- Submission of comprehensive activity reports, including academic gains and challenges
Special Provisions
- Participation voluntary; no learner forced
- Travel insurance mandatory for all participants
- No grade equivalents for activities; no extra requirements for non-participants
- Activities should not disrupt classes; make-up lessons required
- Encourages partnerships with other agencies
Funding Sources
- Public schools may use DepEd funds, Special Education Funds, or external sponsorships
- Off-campus activities must not impose financial burdens on learners or families
- Teachers prohibited from charging learners
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Bureau of Learner Support Services and related offices conduct monitoring and annual policy review
Violations and Sanctions
- Violations reported to DepEd offices and sanctioned accordingly
Effectivity and Repeal
- Lifts previous moratorium on field trips
- Repeals or modifies inconsistent previous issuances
- Immediate dissemination and strict compliance mandated
References
- Cites various DepEd orders on food, budgeting, child protection, educational field trips, and disaster management
- Refer to Department of Tourism accrediting rules and School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Manual