Expanded Philippine Science High School System Gains Approval
The Senate has approved the Expanded Philippine Science High School System bill on its third and final reading, aiming to widen access to PSHS campuses nationwide. This development will open doors for more high school students with strong science and math skills to attend these prestigious institutions.
Senate Bill No. 2974, known as the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act, was passed during the plenary session on June 2, 2025. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, emphasized that the law will enable more qualified students to enroll in PSHS campuses across the country.
Addressing Overcrowding and Expanding Opportunities
Currently, the PSHS Act permits only one campus per administrative region, resulting in 16 campuses serving over 10,600 students nationwide. However, a recent report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education revealed a troubling fact: since 2022, the PSHS system has rejected 5,807 qualified students who passed the rigorous admission tests simply due to lack of space. “These kids did not fail. They met all the qualifications and they passed the notoriously difficult Pisay (PSHS) admission tests but were turned away because they have no room left,” Zubiri noted.
The expanded system will address this issue by allowing up to two campuses per region, excluding the National Capital Region, which already has a larger campus. It will also include regions without current campuses, such as the Negros Island Region. Zubiri highlighted that the campuses will be strategically placed in different provinces to widen access and democratize the PSHS system.
Future Growth and Unified Management
The bill further mandates a review after 15 years to explore establishing additional campuses based on educational demands in each region. This long-term plan aims to continuously adapt and meet the needs of the country’s bright young minds.
Moreover, the measure seeks to consolidate all current and future campuses under a unified governance structure. This will ensure consistent quality standards, efficient operations, and holistic development of scholars, faculty, and staff.
By expanding the PSHS system, the bill hopes to increase the number of high school graduates pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees, engaging in research, and building careers in science and technology fields.
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