Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri hailed the signing of Republic Act No. 12310 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act, which is set to bring high-quality science education closer to Filipino students across the country.

“The Philippine Science High School is one of our most prestigious institutions, producing world-class students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But for years, the limited number of campuses meant that many deserving students were left out, even after passing the admission exams,” Zubiri said.

As the author and sponsor of the measure, Zubiri emphasized that the law’s most important feature is the mandate to establish at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, ensuring that these campuses are located in different provinces, or in the case of NCR, different cities.

“This means that even students in far-flung areas will have a fair chance to study in a Pisay campus near them,” he expressed.

He also noted that the newly created Negros Island Region will now have its own PSHS campus.

“We have brilliant young minds scattered across the country. Sayang ang galing at talino nila kung hindi natin sila mabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral sa Pisay. Every Filipino student with the talent and passion for science deserves this chance,” the Bukidnon senator declared.

Zubiri shared that the law also strengthens the institution by formalizing the roles of the PSHS Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and other officials, while allowing faculty members to be exempted from civil service eligibility requirements to make recruitment easier.

“The PSHS is a very specialized institution, and we need specialized educators for it. We are not just hiring STEM teachers, we are looking for scientists, mathematicians and innovators who can inspire and mentor our future scientists,” he explained.

“Ang hangarin talaga natin dito ay pantay-pantay na oportunidad. Hindi lang dapat sa Metro Manila o sa mga urban areas may access sa ganitong klaseng edukasyon. Dapat pati sa Mindanao, sa Visayas at sa mga isla, may Pisay na pwedeng pasukan ang ating mga qualified na estudyante (Our goal here is to provide equal opportunities. Access to this kind of education shouldn’t be limited to Metro Manila or urban areas — there should also be a “Pisay” in Mindanao, the Visayas, and the islands where qualified students can enroll),” he stressed.

Zubiri expressed his gratitude to the President for signing the measure into law, calling it a victory for science education and for every young Filipino who dreams of building a better future for the country through knowledge and innovation.

“I thank the President for signing the Expanded PSHS System Act into law. This is a victory for STEM education in the country,” he said.