DOST expands science educ in regional campuses

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHSS) will embark on an effort to increase sections in their regional campuses to allow them to accommodate more children wanting to get quality science-focused education.

Dr. Lilia Habacon, PSHSS executive director, said that they have started the expansion effort this school year 2018-2019 from Aug. 1 to 13 in the PSHSS’ 16 campuses all over the country at the PSHS-Calabarzon campus, with one section, bringing to four sections they will have for Grade 7 from last year’s three, allowing them to accommodate 120 students, from last year’s 90 students.

There will be three sections accommodating 90 students in all the other 14 regional campuses of the PSHS. At the main campus in Quezon City, there are eight sections with 240 students capacity.

Habacon said that they will assess which regions to prioritize next in the program by looking at the number of students in the regions that have applicants who pass the National Competitive Examination (NCE) admission test.

There are 1,540 slots available in all 16 campuses of the PSHS all over the country, she earlier said.

The DOST-PSHSS chief reiterated that the deadline for application is Sept. 14, and the exam date is on Oct. 20.

A grade 6 elementary pupil from a duly recognized school by the Department of Education who has a final grade of 85 percent or higher in Science and Mathematics as shown in their report card; a Filipino citizen with no pending or approved application as immigrant to any foreign country; born on or after Aug. 1, 2004; have at least a satisfactory rating or its equivalent in their report card for school year 2017-2018; have not taken the PSHS NSE previously; and preferably be in good health and fit to undergo a rigorous academic program are eligible to apply to take the NCE.

The DOST-PSHSS said that students with below 85 percent in Mathematics and Science can also be considered if they can show they belong to the upper 10 percent of the class.