House OKs resolution requiring school trips to historical landmarks, museums

Public and private schools in the Philippines may soon be required to prioritize historical sites, landmarks and museums across the country as field trip destinations.

The House of Representatives has recently approved House Resolution 1757, urging the Department of Education to direct schools to prioritize such places in conducting educational excursions.

The resolution is in line with Section 18, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution, mandating the State to encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and culture of the country.

Former Manila mayor and now BUHAY party-list Representative Lito Atienza, the principal author of the resolution, said that educational field trips are currently being diverted to supermalls, resorts and other places of entertainment and leisure, compromising the quality of these tours.

Atienza said that it is necessary for the younger generation of Filipinos to learn, experience and immerse themselves in the rich history of the Philippines.

“We urge all schools to do these trips to historical sites, landmarks, and museums within the Philippines to ignite the students in their thinking about the rich historical resources preserved in the many places that they may learn,” Atienza said.

Other authors of the resolution include Cebu Representative Ramon Durano IV, Sorsogon Representative Evelina Escudero, Zamboaga Del Norte Representative Glona Labadlabad, AGBIAG party-list Representative Michelle Antonio, Camarines Sur Representative Gabriel Bordado, Davao Del Sur Representative Mercedes Cagas, BUTIL party-list Representative Cecilia Leonila Chavez, Quezon Representative Anna Katrina Enverga and ABONO party-list Representative Vini Nola Ortega. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News