More opportunities for aspiring Filipino scientists: New bill to bring PSHS campuses to all provinces

The Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) may soon expand, offering its best science education to even more students across the Philippines.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced in a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 7, that the House of Representatives just recently approved a bill that would establish at least one PSHS campus per province, outside of Metro Manila. 

Approved on its second reading on Jan. 30, House Bill No. 9726, also known as the "Expanded Philippine Science High School Act," this expansion translates to more government scholars and wider access to free, high-quality, and globally competitive science education to nurture the country’s future pool of experts.

During his sponsorship speech, Aklan 1st District Rep. Carlito Marquez, Chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

He said that the proposed bill would contribute to "advancing the knowledge, skills, and values of the next generation by accommodating more government scholars in the country."

“Pisay is well on its way to achieving its mission and vision in pursuit of truth, passion for excellence, and commitment to service. Through the advancement of this measure, our hopes to elevate Science and Technology education will now come to fruition,” he added.

He further stressed the urgent need to strengthen the PSHS System. "The Philippines needs a solid pool of Filipino scientists who can contribute to the nation's progress and compete with the best in the world," he said.

The proposed bill also outlines the establishment of a trust fund managed by the DOST, using income generated from school fees, which would be established for priority programs and activities of the PSHSS.

They said that the PSHS Board of Trustees will now hold the responsibility of developing policies and guidelines to ensure consistent high-quality education across all campuses.

“Within 90 days, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the law, the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, and Campus Directors are now eligible to serve for at most three terms, each lasting at most five years,” it added.

How to become a 'Pisay' scholar

The PSHS said that a current Grade 6 (SY 2023-2024) elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education (DepEd) who meets the following criteria is eligible to apply for the PSHS National Competitive Examination (NCE).

They noted that applicants should have a final grade of 85 percent or better in Science and Mathematics, as indicated on their report card. If their grades in Science or Math are less than 85 percent, they must provide evidence that they belong to the upper 10 percent of the batch.

Next, they must be a Filipino citizen who has no pending or approved application as an immigrant to any foreign country

Most importantly, students must at least have a satisfactory rating or its equivalent in his or her Character Rating on their report card and must not have previously applied for admission to PSHS.

Interested students can apply to the Philippine Science High School by directly submitting their application to the nearest PSHS campus, DOST Regional Offices, or Provincial Science and Technology Offices. Alternatively, they can apply online through the https://nce.pshs.edu.ph/.