Officials of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) System conducted a site inspection and exploratory visit in Negros Occidental to determine the site of an additional campus eyed to be completed by 2027.
In a statement on Monday, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said he hosted the team led by PSHS System Executive Director Dr. Ronnalee Ortega, with DOST-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Allan Francis Dara-ug, during their visit to the northern Negros City on Sept. 29.
“We are hopeful and very open to this partnership as we continue to put education at the top of our priorities,” he added.
Cueva said the DOST is looking at Sagay City and San Carlos City, further north, as the possible locations of the new campus.
In Sagay, the city government is proposing an initial five-hectare area to host the PSHS campus’ modern facilities, including academic and laboratory buildings, a science and technology center, an outdoor court, and faculty housing similar to those in other campuses.
“The DOST targets its completion by 2027, with one year preparation for the site development, construction, and other requirements before it begins to operate,” Cueva said.
The DOST-PSHS System currently has 16 campuses across the country, of which three are in the Visayas, including those in Iloilo City in Western Visayas; Argao, Cebu in Central Visayas; and Palo, Leyte in Eastern Visayas.
In June this year, both the Senate and House of Representatives ratified the final version of the Expanded PSHS System Act, seen as a major milestone in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education reform.
The proposed law seeks to expand the reach and impact of the PSHS System, that includes the “establishment of more campuses and strengthening institutional capacity to accommodate more students.”*PNA