The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System gathered various delegates bound from 16 PSHS campuses and the Office of the Executive Director to honor the collective success of the institution.
In a statement, the institution stated that it celebrated its 25th Founding Anniversary with the theme Advancing Leadership in STEM Education, held at the Jose Rizal Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center on February 9.
“We are here tonight not only to celebrate our institution’s 25th Founding Anniversary but also—in a deeper sense—to challenge ourselves to value our sterling performance, continued developments, and sustained commitment as the country’s premier science high school,” said Executive Director Lilia T. Habacon.
The PSHS System was established in 1998 through Republic Act 8496 which necessitates the harmonization of policies and curriculum implementation in all campuses. At present, 16 PSHS campuses are situated nationwide.
Habacon also commended the men and women of the PSHS System and its local and international institutional partners who helped achieve its mandate to offer scholarships to Filipino students with high aptitude in science and mathematics.
“We need to collaborate even more to move forward by future-proofing our brand of education because none of our work would endure without making relevant changes that the new generations of scholars and succeeding PSHS leaders can bank on,” said Habacon.
The PSHS System also recognized employees who exhibited exemplary performance by giving the Sinagtala Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Award, Sinagtala Teaching Excellence Award, Gantimpala Agad Award, Outstanding Employee Award (Level 1, Level 2, and Executive Level), other Special Awards.
The SYSTEM Awards were also given to recognize the invaluable support of individuals and organizations in STEM education and human resource development of PSHS teachers and administrative personnel.
Awardees included former Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, Mapua University President Reynaldo Vea, Sen. Nancy Binay, and PSHS Board of Trustees Representative Marcos Dioso, Jr.
Among the international and local STEM education partners that were recognized were the Japan Science and Technology (JST) Agency, International Projects Unit Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Temasek Foundation, Children & Youth Science Center of CAST in China, Nanyang Polytechnic International in Singapore, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Peace Corps Philippines, San Miguel Holdings Corporation, Unilab Foundation, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, Jaime Ongpin Foundation, Begiver Ventures Incorporated, Ateneo Science and Art of Learning and Teaching (SALT) Institute, University of the Philippines (Diliman and Manila), De La Salle University, DOST-Science Education Institute, Philippine Science High School National Alumni Association, and PSHS Foundation Inc.