MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is planning to establish 10 additional campuses of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) in a bid to accommodate more Filipino students who excel in science and mathematics but are unable to secure slots due to limited capacity.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. revealed the expansion plan following a report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which highlighted that over 5,800 qualified students were left out despite passing the rigorous entrance exam.
“We will prioritize regions with high numbers of passers who cannot be accommodated. The initial idea is to add 10 more campuses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Solidum said during a DOST event on August 18.
Currently, the PSHS System operates 16 campuses nationwide, each admitting only 90 to 120 students annually—except the main campus in Quezon City, which accepts up to 240. Last year, out of 31,636 students who took the National Competitive Examination (NCE), only 1,860 slots were available.
The expansion plan is anchored on the Expanded PSHS System Act (Senate Bill No. 2974), recently ratified by Congress and awaiting the President’s signature. Authored by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, the measure allows up to two PSHS campuses per region, excluding Metro Manila but including the newly created Negros Island Region.
The law also seeks to unify existing and future campuses under a single governance structure, ensuring consistent quality standards in STEM education nationwide.
PSHSS welcomed the development, saying it would boost the institution’s capacity and strengthen its mission of promoting excellence in science and technology education.
“The DOST–PSHS System and its stakeholders eagerly await the bill’s final approval, as it promises to bring more inclusive and accessible STEM education to Filipino youth,” the system said in a statement.
While the exact locations of the new campuses have yet to be determined, DOST assured that distribution will be carefully planned to avoid clustering and maximize regional accessibility. Funding for the expansion will be released gradually, with each campus expected to cater to up to 120 students annually once fully operational.
The move marks a significant step in making “Pisay” more accessible to deserving young Filipinos nationwide, providing them with the opportunity to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
— The Summit Express