Enacting measures to make the country's premier secondary science learning institution more accessible to Filipino youth, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the “Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act” (RA 12310) on Oct. 3.
The newly signed law aims to establish “strategically accessible” PSHS campuses, increasing the number of high school graduates who will “pursue undergraduate courses in the field of STEM, research and development, or careers in science and technology.”
Supporting this aim, the law seeks to apply reforms in management by consolidating existing and future campuses to “ensure quality standards and efficient operations” under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Nine new campuses are being considered in accordance with Section 5, wherein at least two campuses in each administrative region provided that those in the same region shall not be situated in the same province or city.
“In the establishment of future PSHS campuses, the PSHS System Board of Trustees may consider the following locations: First District of Aklan; Polangui, Albay; Ubay, Bohol; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur; Third District of Cagayan; General Santos City, South Cotabato; and Bukidnon,” the law states.
Currently, there are 16 establishments in the country, and the construction of a new campus in the Negros Island Region is underway.
The law also mandates the creation of a unified governance system through a PSHS Board of Trustees, headed by the DOST Secretary and co-chaired by the Department of Education Secretary, to oversee academic, administrative, and developmental policies and ensure a consistent standard across all campuses.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the law opens a “new chapter” for Filipino youth, bringing quality STEM education closer to every region and shaping future scientists with a heart for service.
