MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12310, or the “Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act,” which aims to strengthen the governance and management of the country’s premier secondary science institution.

Signed on October 3, the new law mandates the establishment of additional PSHS campuses nationwide to provide scholarship-based secondary education programs with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics.

The law seeks to increase the number of high school graduates pursuing undergraduate studies or careers in STEM, ensure consistent quality standards and efficient operations in PSHS campuses, and support the holistic development of PSHS scholars, faculty, and staff.

“A PSHS System shall be established under the administrative supervision of the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) composed of at least two PSHS campuses in each administrative region of the country,” RA 12310 stated.

Campuses within the same region, however, will not be situated in the same province or city, except in the case of the National Capital Region. The creation of additional campuses will be subject to a comprehensive review by the PSHS Board of Trustees.

Currently, the PSHS has 16 campuses located in Quezon City, Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Clark Freeport Zone, Batangas City, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Cebu, Leyte, Dipolog City, Lanao del Norte, Davao City, Koronadal City, and Butuan City.

The law also mandates the establishment of a new PSHS campus in the Negros Island Region. Future campuses may be located in the First District of Aklan; Polangui, Albay; Uba, Bohol; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur; Third District of Cagayan; General Santos City, South Cotabato; and Bukidnon.

The PSHS Board of Trustees will serve as the highest policy- and decision-making body, chaired by the DOST Secretary and vice-chaired by the Secretary of Education.

Board members include the President of the University of the Philippines, PSHS Executive Director, Director of the Science Education Institute, President of the PSHS National Alumni Association, and the chairpersons of the Senate and House committees on science and technology. One representative each from the private sector—covering higher education, child development, industry, agriculture, and emerging technologies—will also be appointed for a four-year term.

The PSHS System will be headed by an Executive Director who will oversee all campuses and ensure the implementation of Board-approved policies and guidelines. Three Deputy Executive Directors will assist in managing academic and student services, administration and finance, and research, innovation, and linkages.

Each PSHS campus will be led by a Campus Director responsible for daily operations. The Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, and Campus Directors will serve six-year terms and may be reappointed for another term.

An Executive Committee, composed of the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, Campus Directors, and other senior officials or faculty members, will periodically review the PSHS curriculum and training programs.

The Philippine Science High School System was first established through RA 3661 in 1963 to provide free, scholarship-based secondary education emphasizing science and technology to prepare students for scientific careers.