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| Philippine Science High School System | |
|---|---|
Sistemang Mataas na Paaralang Pang-agham ng Pilipinas | |
_-_Pisay.svg) | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public specialized high school system |
| Established | June 22, 1963 (first campus) February 12, 1998 (as the PSHSS) |
| Executive Director | Ronnalee Orteza[1] |
| Grades | 7 to 12 |
| Enrollment | 8,358 (school year 2018-2019) |
| Language | English, Filipino (for Filipino subject only) |
| Campus | 16 campuses (see below) |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Affiliation | Department of Science and Technology |
| Website | www |
The Philippine Science High School System (Filipino: Sistemang Mataas na Paaralang Pang-agham ng Pilipinas[2]) is a research-oriented and specialized public high school system in the Philippines that operates as an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology.
The first school which later became the system's main campus was established in Quezon City on June 22, 1963 and began admitting students the following year. The system itself was institutionalized on February 12, 1998. It currently has 16 campuses across the Philippines.
History
First campus
The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) was established via Republic Act (RA) No. 3661 which was signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal on June 22, 1963. It mandates the creation of a school which provides scholarship to students with an emphasis on mathematics and sciences to prepare them to take on scientific careers.[3]
It is the implementation of a proposal of Leopoldo V. Torralba, a mathematics professor at the New York University who envisioned that type of school for Filipinos patterned after the Bronx High School of Science.[3][4]
PSHS first opened on September 5, 1964 using rented buildings alongside the Elliptical Road in Quezon City.[5]
In 1966, the PSHS requested the government a land of its own leading to the construction a campus from 1970 to 1972 in Diliman. The Diliman campus opened in 1973.[3]
Expansion and establishment of the PSHS System
Three more campuses was built across the Philippines namely the Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and Southern Mindanao (now Davao Region) campuses.[6][7]
The Philippine Science High School System was formalized in February 12, 1998 via RA No. 8496 which became law during President Fidel Ramos's administration. This legislation placed the four existing campuses under a single system of governance and management.[6][7]
RA 9036 passed on March 12, 2001 during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's administration mandated the establishment of at least one PSHS campus per region.[6][8]
The PSHS in the 2010s transitioned into the K-12 education system which added two years to its existing four-year curriculum.[9]
On October 3, 2025, President Bongbong Marcos signed into law RA No. 12310 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act, allowing for the creation of more than one PSHS campus in the same region albeit in a different province.[10]
Following the passing of RA No. 12310, various PSHS campuses all throughout October 2025, renamed their campuses to more specific versions to accommodate the future possibilities of multiple campuses in their regions.[citation needed]
Campuses
By region
Luzon
Main (Metro Manila)
The Philippine Science High School - Main Campus (PSHS–MC) is the flagship campus of the Philippine Science High School System located in Diliman, Quezon City. The campus situated within the Metro Manila (National Capital Region) was established in June 22, 1963.
Ilocos
The Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur is the PSHSS Ilocos Region campus situated in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur.[11] The establishment of the school was initiated by House of Representatives member Salacnib Baterina.[12][13] Republic Act 9036 explicitly states San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur as a site for consideration for a PSHS campus in Ilocos Region[14][15] The PSHS Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Ilocos Region Campus on February 6, 2002 with the school opening on July 14, 2003.[14]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Ilocos campus in Laoag.[16]
Cagayan Valley
The Philippine Science High School - Cagayan Valley Campus in Nueva Vizcaya (PSHS-CVC) is the PSHSS Cagayan Valley campus situated in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.[11]
PSHS–CVC was established as the Nueva Vizcaya Science High School (NVSHS) from Republic Act 7622 in 1992, passed by then-Congressman Carlos Padilla. The school which opened in 1996 used to be situated in the same compound as the Nueva Vizcaya State University. In 1997, the control of the NVSHS was transferred to the Department of Science and Technology under Republic Act 8364.[17]
In 2001, the NVSHS was made a PSHS campus and was then named the Cagayan Valley Campus by virtue of RA 9036. In 2002, under Governor Rodolfo Q. Agbayani, construction of a new compound for the PSHS–CVC started Barangay Masoc in Bayombong. In 2010, the PSHS–CVC had completed its relocation onto the new site.[17]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Cagayan Valley campus somewhere within the third district of Cagayan.[16]
Cordillera Administrative Region
The Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus in Baguio City is the PSHSS Cordillera Administrative Region campus situated in Baguio.[11] It was established on September 11, 2008 and formally opened the following year.[18]
Central Luzon
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The Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus in Clark Freeport Zone is the PSHSS campus for Central Luzon.[11][19] First opened in 2009, it was initially housed within the Clark Polytechnic School compound.[20][21]
Calabarzon
The Philippine Science High School - Calabarzon Region Campus in Batangas City is the PSHSS Calabarzon campus situated in Batangas City.[11] Initiall the campus was located in Bahay Kaalaman at the Batangas National High School Compound from July 2015 until it transferred permanently to its current location in 2017.[22][23]
Mimaropa
The Philippine Science High School - Mimaropa Region Campus in Romblon is the PSHSS Mimaropa campus situated in Odiongan, Romblon.[11][24]
Bicol
The Philippine Science High School - Bicol Region Campus in Camarines Sur is the PSHSS Bicol Region campus situated in Goa, Camarines Sur.[11]
PSHS–BRC was established as the Philippine Science High School – Camarines Sur Campus after the conversion of San Rafael National High School through Republic Act 8304 in 1996 as amended by Republic Act 8619 in 1998. During this period, the campus was situated in Tigaon, Camarines Sur.
After difficulties housing the studentry of the old San Rafael National High School and the scholars of the Camarines Sur Campus, a move to restore the old High School was made. This prompted the need for the Camarines Sur Campus for a different campus site, which was granted by the Local Government Unit of Goa. As the newly donated site still needs development, the Camarines Sur Campus was welcomed into the Partido State College when it had to move out of the San Rafael National High School after its reestablishment.
In 2001, the campus was renamed Bicol Region Campus. In April 2002, BRC was forced to move to its then-under-development campus.[25]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Bicol campus somewhere within the Polangui, Albay.[16]
Visayas
Western Visayas
The Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City is the PSHSS Western Visayas campus situated in Iloilo City.[11]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Western Visayas campus somewhere within the first district of Aklan.[16]
Negros Island Region
There is no PSHS campus in the Negros Island Region although by law there is mandate to establish two campuses.[16]
Central Visayas
The Philippine Science High School - Central Visayas Campus in Cebu is the PSHSS Central Visayas campus situated in Argao, Cebu.[11] The PSHS Board of Trustees approved the creation of the Central Visayas campus on September 30, 2005.[26] The school itself opened in 2006.[27]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Central Visayas campus in Ubay, Bohol.[16]
Eastern Visayas
The Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus in Leyte (PSHS-EVC) is the PSHSS Eastern Visayas campus situated in Palo, Leyte.[11]
PSHS-EVC was originally founded in April 10, 1992 following the passing of Republic Act No. 7373 under the name of Eastern Visayas Science High School.[28] During its first year, the school originally operated from an area rented from the Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City, Leyte.[citation needed] This is because Tacloban and Palo were the two possible locations designated by RA No. 7373 as to where the school could be located.
On June 15, 1995, Republic Act No. 8057 then renamed Eastern Visayas Science High School to Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus to align with its incorporation into the PSHSS.[29] Due to Republic Act No. 12310, which encourages all regions in the Philippines to have two PSHS campuses each, PSHS-EVC renamed its official name to The Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus in Leyte on October, 2025 to allow for a possible campus in Samar.[30]
Mindanao
Northern Mindanao
The Philippine Science High School Northern Mindanao Campus in Lanao del Norte, formerly the Philippine Science High School Central Mindanao Campus, is the PSHSS campus for Northern Mindanao situated in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.[11][31]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second Northern Mindanao campus somewhere in Bukidnon.[16]
Davao
The Philippine Science High School - Davao Region Campus in Davao City, formerly the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus, is the PSHSS campus for the Davao Region.[11]
Soccsksargen
The Philippine Science High School - Soccsksargen Region Campus in Koronadal City is the PSHSS campus for Soccsksargen situated in South Cotabato.[11][32] The school began operations on June 17, 2013.[33][34]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second campus in General Santos.[16]
Caraga
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The Philippine Science High School - Caraga Region Campus in Butuan City is the PSHSS Caraga campus situated in Butuan.[11] It was established in 2012.[35]
Zamboanga Peninsula
The Philippine Science High School Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus in Dipolog City is the PSHSS Zamboanga Peninsula campus situated in Dipolog.[11][36] It opened in August 2016 at the Dipolog Sports Complex before moving to its permanent site in Barangay Cogon in October 2019.[37]
The Expanded PSHS System Act or Republic Act No. 12310 proposed the establishment of a second campus in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.[16]
Bangsamoro
There is no PSHS campus within the Bangsamoro autonomous region.[38] However the autonomous regional government maintains the Bangsamoro Science High School established in 2023 via Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 40 which is patterned after the PSHS system.[39][40] The BSHS campus will be built in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.[41]
Summary
Currently, each region in the Philippines except the Bangsamoro and the Negros Island Region has a campus.
| Region | Campus | Location | Establishment (opening date) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCR (National Capital Region) | Main Campus | Diliman, Quezon City | June 22, 1963 (September 5, 1964) | |
| 1 (I) | Ilocos Region Campus | San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur | February 6, 2002 (July 14, 2003) | |
| 2 (II) | Cagayan Valley Campus | Masoc, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya | July 3, 1992 | |
| 3 (III) | Central Luzon Campus | Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga | (June 28, 2009[42]) | |
| 4-A (IV-A) | CALABARZON Region Campus | Sampaga, Batangas City, Batangas | November 2013 (July 20, 2015) | |
| 4-B (IV-B) | MIMAROPA Region Campus | Rizal, Odiongan, Romblon | April 2016[citation needed] | |
| 5 (V) | Bicol Region Campus | Tagongtong, Goa, Camarines Sur | July 1998 | |
| CAR | Cordillera Administrative Region Campus | Irisan, Baguio City, Benguet | (June 22, 2009[42]) | |
| 6 (VI) | Western Visayas Campus | Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo | February 5, 1986 (July 1, 1993) | |
| 7 (VII) | Central Visayas Campus | Talaytay, Argao, Cebu | September 30, 2005 | |
| 8 (VIII) | Eastern Visayas Campus | Pawing, Palo, Leyte | February 1, 1992 | |
| NIR | No campus | |||
| 9 (IX) | Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus | Cogon, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte | 2015 | |
| 10 (X) | Northern Mindanao Campus | Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte | July 1998 | |
| 11 (XI) | Davao Region Campus | Tugbok, Davao City, Davao del Sur | February 5, 1986 (July 1988) | |
| 12 (XII) | SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus | Paraiso, Koronadal City, South Cotabato | February 3, 2012 | |
| 13 (XIII) | Caraga Region Campus | Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | 2013 | |
| BARMM | No campus | |||
Organization
The Board of Trustees (BOT) is the highest policy making body of the PSHS System. The executive committee (ExeCom), composed of the directors of different PSHS campuses, is a collegial body that recommends policies and guidelines for the consideration of the BOT. The executive committee is chaired by the executive director, who coordinates the implementation of these policies and guidelines.[43] PSHS campuses are headed by directors who are members of the ExeCom.
Admissions
Admission into any campus of the system can be done through the national competitive exam, lateral admission, or intercampus transfer.
National Competitive Examination
Students who want to study in a campus within the Philippine Science High School System must take an entrance exam to get admitted called the National Competitive Examinations (NCE). A grade school student must belong to the top ten percent of their graduating class or have an aptitude in mathematics and science.[3]
The NCE is reputed to be competitive with limited slots per academic year only available.[44] As per the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Year 2 report, 49,481 took the NCE in a bid to get admitted in the PSHSS' 16 campuses for the academic years 2022–23 and 2024–25. Only 5,544 of the 11,351 qualified applicants enrolled during that period.[45][46]
Lateral admission – qualifying exam
Admission can also be done through lateral admission. A student who has finished Grade 7/Grade 8 (under the high school curriculum or the new K-12 curriculum) outside of the Philippine Science High School System may be allowed admission to the PSHS if specific requirements are met.[47]
Intercampus transfer
Scholars of the system may travel to other campuses of the system. Intercampus transfer will only be allowed to incoming Grade 8, 9, or 10 students from a PSHSS campus and approval depends on the slots available in the desired campus to be transferred to. The transferring student must meet certain requirements in order to be considered eligible to transfer.[48]
Notable alumni
- Vicky Tauli-Corpuz (Batch 1969): Indigenous People's rights advocate; Chair, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
- Cielito Habito (Batch 1970): former Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority
- Hermogenes Esperon (Batch 1970): General; Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
- Butch Dalisay (Batch 1971-A): writer, editor, columnist, Palanca awardee
- Joel Navarro (Batch 1971-B): conductor, singer-composer (Swerte-Swerte Lang), arranger, music professor, and stage actor; Gawad Lagablad Awardee, 1991
- Anna Bayle (Batch 1974): entrepreneur and Asia's first international supermodel
- Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (Batch 1977): peace negotiator and the former chair of the peace panel of the Government of the Philippines
- Jessica Zafra (Batch 1982): fiction writer, columnist, editor, publisher, former television and radio show host, Palanca awardee
- Joseph Emilio Abaya (Batch 1983): former Congressman, 1st district of Cavite, Secretary, Department of Transportation and Communication
- Auraeus Solito (aka Kanakan Balintagos) (Batch 1986): filmmaker, director of the internationally acclaimed Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Tuli, Pisay, Busong: Palawan Fate, and Baybayin: The Palawan Script
- Barry Gutierrez (Batch 1990): former Congressman, spokesperson of former Vice President Leni Robredo
- Luis Katigbak (Batch 1991): writer and music critic
- Karlo Nograles (Batch 1993): Chairman of Civil Service Commission
- Jeffrey Hidalgo (Batch 1994): singer, songwriter, former band member of Smokey Mountain group
- Atom Araullo (Batch 2000): television host, reporter and newscaster now with GMA Network
- Hillary Diane Andales (Batch 2019): astrophysicist and science communicator
See also
- Pisay (film), about the experiences of students and faculty of the school during the last years of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos.
References
- ^ "Mandate and Officials". Retrieved April 8, 2017.
- ^ Mga Pangalan ng Tanggapan ng Pamahalaan sa Filipino [Names of Government Offices in Filipino] (PDF) (2013 ed.). Commission on the Filipino Language. 2013. p. 30. ISBN 978-971-0197-22-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Tan, Nigel; De Leon, Aljohn (September 6, 2014). "FAST FACTS: Philippine Science High School". Rappler. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Lazcano, Joy (January 2011). "DOST Sec. Montejo, binati ang mga bagong Pisay iskolar" [DOST Sec. Montejo, greets new Pisay scholars] (PDF). Balitang RapiDOST (in Filipino). 2 (1). DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute: 4. ISSN 2094-6600. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Suarez, K. D. (September 6, 2014). "A 'Pisay' for changing times". Rappler. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c "The PSHS System". September 6, 2014. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ a b "Republic Act No. 8496". Supreme Court E-Library. Supreme Court of the Philippines. February 12, 1998. Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 9036". Supreme Court E-Library. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "The 6-year Curriculum for the PSHS System". Philippine Science High School System. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Bajo, Anna Felicia (October 8, 2025). "Marcos inks law on PSHS system expansion". GMA News. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "List of PSHS Campus" (PDF). Philippine Science High School System. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "Philippine Science High School Ilocos Region Campus". Tawid News. June 17, 2009. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Nazario, Dhel (February 8, 2023). "PSHS-Ilocos campus unveils 'first of its kind' planetarium in the region". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ a b "Project Description: Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus" (PDF). Environmental Management Bureau Region 1. p. 1. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 9036". The LawPhil Project. March 12, 2001. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Unite, Betheena (October 9, 2025). "Marcos signs Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ a b "History of PSHS–CVC". Philippine Science High School–Cagayan Valley Campus. December 17, 2016. Archived from the original on December 10, 2019. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ Cayabyab, Bong (August 14, 2013). "'Most beautiful science high school campus' starts construction". Northern Philippine Times. Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ^ "𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬". PSHS Central Luzon Campus in Clark Freeport Zone. Philippine Science High School — Central Luzon Campus in Clark Freeport Zone. October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
- ^ Lacson, Bong (March 27, 2009). "'Pisay' at Clark". Punto! Central Luzon. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ^ "PSHS opens two new campuses". The Philippine Star. April 26, 2009. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ^ "Phil. Science High School in Batangas City opens in 2015". Batangas City Official Website. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ^ "Philippine Science High School in Batangas City opens 2nd week of July 2015". Batangas City Official Website. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ^ "DOST chief to Pisay students, "eye to be technopreneurs"". Philippine Information Agency. April 14, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "History of PSHS BRC". Philippine Science High School–Bicol Region Campus. July 28, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "PSHS-CVisC marks 20th Founding Anniversary". 2025. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Napallacan, Jhunnex (June 19, 2008). "Arroyo inaugurates Philippine Science High School in Cebu". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 19, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 7373". lawphil.net. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 8057". lawphil.net. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ "PSHS Eastern Visayas Campus | Official Website of PSHS-EVC". evc.pshs.edu.ph. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ "Republic Act No. 12310". Supreme Court E-Library. October 3, 2025. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
- ^ "Public Advisory". Philippine Science High School Soccsksargen Region Campus in Koronadal City. October 19, 2025. Retrieved October 29, 2025 – via Facebook.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ "PSHS-SRC History". Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Santos, Armi Flor. "PSHS-SRC Opens for the Pioneer Batch". PSHS-SRC. Archived from the original on June 26, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Lopez, Alexander (August 9, 2022). "Strong STEM learning pushed in Caraga Region". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "Science high school to rise in Dipolog". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. May 20, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Nazario, Dhel (July 7, 2022). "52 Pisay-Zamboanga scholars finish specialized science curriculum". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Reyes, Dempsey (January 28, 2025). "Lack of slots makes entry into 'Pisay' tougher". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 40" (PDF). Bangsamoro Gazette. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ "Pisay Leads Development of Admission Test for the Bangsamoro Science High School". Philippine Science High School System. December 19, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Bacongco, Keith (January 22, 2025). "BARMM kicks off science high school construction". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ a b PSHS opens two new campuses, Philippine Star Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ System Organization Archived March 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Conejos, Jaff (January 29, 2025). "Pisay struggles to meet admission demand due to limited slots". Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Chi, Cristina (January 28, 2025). "Half of qualified Pisay passers 'turned away' due to limited slots". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ Hernando-Malipot, Merlina (January 16, 2025). "1,726 students pass PSHS National Competitive Exam for SY 2025-2026". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
- ^ "Application for Incoming Grade 8 & 9 Students - Philippine Science High School System". June 15, 2022.
- ^ "Guidelines on Intercampus Transfer". March 31, 2017.
External links
Media related to Philippine Science High School System at Wikimedia Commons- Official website
- PSHS Foundation, Inc.
- PSHS National Alumni Association
