517 students from Bestlink College of the Philippines in Quezon City recently went on a field trip to Tanay as a part of their medical and survival training for their National Service Training Program (NSTP) subject.
Sadly, one of the buses, which had 58 students, accidentally crashed into an electric post in Barangay Sampaloc in Tanay, which led to the death of 10 students.
They were forced to join the field trip
According to the parents, their children were forced to join the field trip, even if it wasn’t required for the class.
“Pag hindi papasamahin sasabihin nila ibabagsak tapos ‘yung sasakyan hindi [tinitignan] kung maayos,” Mrs. Pepito shares. The victim’s father added, “Tinatakot nila yung mga estudyante. Sinasabi nila sa mga estudyante hindi daw sasama sa field trip ibabagsak daw sa subject.”
Mrs. Pepito’s son, John Kenneth, was among the 15 people, including 10 students, who perished in the accident.
One of the parents, Mary Grace Frias, shares, “Hindi nila nire-require yang camping na yan. Pinipilit nila dahil ibabagsak daw nila tapos pinipilit nila yung magulang na pumirma ng waiver.”
The parents add that the school told their children that they won’t graduate if they don’t join the field trip.
They smelled burning rubber during the trip
According to the survivors, they smelled burning rubber while they were going to the venue.
“Nangangamoy na kasi yung bus di pa kami pababa, paakyat pa lang kami ng bundok pero parang wala lang din kasi mga kaklase ko nagkakasiyahan,” shares Raymond Navarro.
He adds, “Ang dami pa namin dinaanan ng walang brake kaya nagsigawan na kaming lahat na ‘Anong nangyayari magdasal na kayo mamatay na tayo lahat.’ Buti yung driver di binagga sa bangin.” He shares that he survived the accident because there was an open window near him.
According to the initial investigation, the driver, Julian Lacorda Jr., lost control of the wheel, and subsequently lost control of the brakes, leading him to crash the bus into an electric post which claimed the lives of 10 students.
Keeping our children safe during trips
The fact of the matter is that we really can’t prevent accidents from happening. We can, however, take some precautions to lower the risk that our children have when going on field trips or out of town excursions. Here are some helpful tips:
- If you have any doubts, or are worried for your child’s safety, then ask them if they can opt to not join the field trip. You can try talking to their teacher and ask if your child can do a special project instead if the trip is required for a class.
- If your child has a cellphone, make sure that it’s fully charged and that they give you regular updates regarding their activities as well as during the trip.
- Talk to their teacher and discuss your fears and worries so that you can come to an agreement to ensure your child’s safety.
- Make sure your child has a basic first aid kit in their bag which includes medicine as well as bandages. These can prove helpful should your child, or another child get injured during the trip.
- If possible, volunteer to be a part of the field trip so that you can ensure your child’s safety yourself.
Source: gmanetwork.com, philstar.com, todaysparent.com
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