The recent controversy surrounding Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP) has sparked an intense debate over student safety, event management, and accountability. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III announced on January 27, 2025, that the commission en banc would issue a show cause order against the college following its failure to submit necessary documents for an off-campus activity. This incident, involving BCP's annual founding anniversary celebration at a resort in Bataan, raised alarms over the welfare of students, leading to multiple reports of mismanagement and negligence.
The Event: A Perfect Storm of Issues
Bestlink College’s recent off-campus event, held in Bataan, was supposed to be a moment of celebration, but it quickly devolved into a chaotic and, at times, unsafe experience for students. The event’s logistical flaws included a confusing and dangerous transportation system, overcrowded venues, and inadequate medical assistance. According to a detailed account from a student, the bus transportation system was a complete disaster. The "first-come, first-serve" approach led to confusion and overcrowding, as students scrambled to board buses, with some even left behind due to lack of available seats. The situation only worsened when the bus they were able to board was overcrowded, causing discomfort during the journey.
Transportation Woes and the Lack of Preparation
The transportation issues were just the beginning. Once students arrived at the resort, it became apparent that the venue was grossly inadequate to accommodate the large crowd, with students struggling to find seating or shade under the hot sun. The event’s planning appeared to overlook basic logistics, including crowd control, designated seating, and even the number of buses required to transport over 30,000 participants.
Worse still, the students faced further indignities as the event spiraled into a medical emergency. One student with asthma and another with bone arthritis experienced severe health complications, but they were left waiting for help. Reports from students revealed a lack of professional medical attention and an absence of faculty support during these emergencies. The advisory teacher’s response—dismissive at best—left students feeling neglected and disrespected. One student recounted how the faculty seemed indifferent, only heightening the sense of abandonment during the crisis.
Faculty’s Disheartening Response
The student’s personal account was a poignant reflection of the event's deeper issues: poor planning, lack of concern for student welfare, and, most disturbingly, a failure of accountability from both the school administration and the faculty. While students faced medical emergencies, the faculty’s response was far from reassuring. A teacher’s offhand comment comparing the situation to a game of “Squid Game” only added insult to injury. Many students expressed their frustration, noting that even though their classmates were in distress, no one from the faculty or administration provided meaningful assistance.
The Show Cause Order and Call for Accountability
The CHED’s decision to issue a show cause order is a direct response to this series of failures. The agency has stated that Bestlink College’s mishandling of the event compromised the students' safety and well-being. The show cause order requires the college to explain why it should not face penalties or be held accountable for its actions. Given the severity of the situation, many are now calling for a deeper investigation into the administration’s oversight, with some arguing that the mishandling of the event is part of a larger pattern of neglect within the institution.
The Bigger Picture: Poor Planning and Institutional Negligence
A closer look at the event reveals a troubling lack of foresight in the event's planning. The venue, a resort in Bataan, was clearly ill-equipped to handle such a large crowd. The lack of crowd control measures, an inadequate transportation system, and the absence of proper safety protocols made it clear that student welfare was not a priority. The disorganization mirrored previous issues at Bestlink College, sparking questions about the institution’s overall management and its ability to prioritize student safety in large-scale events.
Student Perspectives: A Divide Between Pride and Disappointment
While many current students and alumni have expressed disappointment with the event’s handling, there is also a significant level of pride in the school’s ability to provide affordable education for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend university. One alumna shared her experience as a BCP graduate, emphasizing that the school had provided her with a valuable education and the opportunity for personal growth despite financial limitations. However, she also acknowledged the serious issues surrounding the recent event and called for accountability from the school, urging fellow students to remain patient and respectful as investigations unfold.
Calls for a Thorough Investigation
The controversy has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into Bestlink College’s practices, not just regarding this event but the overall safety and management of its operations. Students, parents, and concerned citizens are demanding answers, with some questioning the integrity of the school’s administration. Given the gravity of the situation, many are calling for the school to be held accountable and, if necessary, shut down to protect future students from similar mismanagement.
Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for Accountability
The situation at Bestlink College serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective planning, transparency, and responsibility in educational institutions. The well-being of students must always be the top priority, and any failure to uphold this responsibility should be met with serious consequences. As CHED prepares to issue its show cause order and investigate further, it is clear that this event will have long-lasting implications for Bestlink College, its administration, and the broader educational community. Students and parents alike are watching closely, hoping that the lessons learned from this debacle will lead to safer, more organized events in the future and prevent further harm to students.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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