College school may face raps, says QC LGU

The local government of Quezon City disclosed that it is considering legal action against Bestlink College of the Philippines following serious lapses in student safety during an off-campus Foundation Day activity held last 26 January in Hermosa, Bataan.

In an oversight committee hearing, the Quezon City Council raised concerns about the welfare of more than 25,000 high school and college students who participated in the event, citing inadequate safety measures, a lack of medical preparedness and logistical failures that led to students being stranded for hours.  

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who led the hearing, criticized Bestlink College for its poor coordination with local authorities and the absence of a concrete safety plan. Reports indicated that only six ambulance units were available for over 25,000 attendees, and students faced delays in transportation, with some forced to walk long distances under extreme heat.  

Social media posts and testimonies from parents and students detailed instances of exhaustion, dehydration and fainting due to the lack of proper arrangements.  

Further testimony from Police Major Phoe Pangan Jr. of the Hermosa Municipal Police Station revealed that event organizers initially informed authorities on 23 January that 17,000 students would attend.

However, the actual count of 25,000 was only confirmed a day before the event, placing additional strain on local resources.  

Councilor Aly Medalla, chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, stressed that the school lacked sufficient emergency response measures, which put students at risk.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte also condemned Bestlink’s handling of the situation, particularly its dismissal of students’ concerns as “fake news.”  

“It is both irresponsible and insensitive for Bestlink College of the Philippines to dismiss students’ legitimate concerns as fake news. This incident could have been avoided had they prioritized the safety and welfare of their students,” Belmonte said.