Manila: The Commission on Higher Education in Bicol (CHED-5) has reminded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region to strictly comply with safety policies governing off-campus activities, emphasizing that students' welfare and well-being must remain the top priority. CHED-5 reiterated the salient provisions of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 63, Series of 2017, which sets the guidelines for local off-campus educational activities conducted by public and private HEIs.
According to Philippines News Agency, on Wednesday, CHED-5 Regional Director Demetrio Anduyan Jr. stated that experiential learning activities remain an important component of quality higher education but stressed that they must always be accompanied by appropriate safeguards. 'Meaningful learning experiences must always be accompanied by appropriate safeguards to protect our students,' Anduyan said.
The memorandum covers educational tours, field exposures, immersion programs, community engagements, sports competitions, cultural activities, extension programs, and other learning activities conducted outside school premises. Under the policy, student safety, welfare, and well-being must be the primary consideration in planning, approving, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating all off-campus activities.
CHED instructed institutions to conduct risk assessments and hazard identification before approval. Schools must also establish and communicate emergency response, transportation, medical, communication, and contingency measures to ensure student safety. The memorandum further requires HEIs to obtain written parental or guardian consent when necessary, provide adequate supervision by qualified faculty and authorized representatives, and evaluate venues, partner organizations, and transportation providers for compliance with safety standards.
CHED also underscored the importance of insurance coverage and other risk mitigation measures, as well as the maintenance of complete documentation and post-activity reports. 'Potential hazards and risks must be identified, assessed, and addressed before activities are conducted. Safety should never be treated as an afterthought. It must be integrated into every stage of planning and implementation,' Anduyan said.
The regional office said the directive aims to strengthen accountability among higher education institutions while ensuring that students continue to benefit from experiential learning opportunities in a safe and secure environment. CHED said that while educational tours, fieldwork, outreach programs, and immersion activities provide valuable learning experiences, these should never come at the expense of student safety.
