# Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus

Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus (abbreviated as PSHS-SMC) is the first regional campus of the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS). It is situated in Davao City, Philippines, and it is among the many specialized public high schools in the Philippines, along with other PSHSS Campuses. It caters to scientifically and mathematically gifted high school students from the Southern Mindanao region of the country. It is located in Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao City.

## History

PSHS-SMC, formerly known as PSHS Mindanao Campus prior to the creation of the PSHS Central Mindanao Campus in Lanao del Norte, was first established at the Philippine Coconut Authority grounds in Bago Oshiro, Barangay Mintal in Tugbok District. It was officially founded on July 8, 1988.
Due to an increasing number of students, the school administration decided to relocate to a larger site. The new building's infrastructure was completed in 1990.
By 1995, mud and asphalt lanes on the grounds of the school had been cemented and the gardens had been replanted and redesigned. The school surroundings gradually developed into a park. Some years later, a large gymnasium was built behind the boys' dormitory, accessible via a footbridge.
In 2008, renovation of the gym resumed. With the new stage completed, it was temporarily opened in March that year for the graduation ceremony.
A new Science and Technology building, with laboratories and a 90-seat mini-auditorium, was completed in 2011.
Since mid-2012, a new oval track has been under construction behind the outdoor courts, which in turn are located behind the gym.
The campus is currently composed of the Administration Building, the Academic Building (where classes are held), the Boys' and Girls' Residence Halls, the Gym, the Canteen, and the Science and Technology Building.
For the first 19 years from its founding, the school's director was Rosita Fundador, before her mandatory retirement. She was succeeded by Delia C. Legaspino. In 2021, she was succeeded by Dr. Jonald P. Fenecios, 12 years after her service.

## Admission

Admission to the PSHS-SMC is usually possible only in the first year, with lateral entry in the second and third years possible in rare cases. Applicants from grade six (or grade seven) must perform well in the National Competitive Examination (NCE), the admission test of the Philippine Science High School System.

## Curriculum

The PSHS-SMC follows the curriculum prescribed by the Philippine Science High School System, with electives varying per campus.

### Foundation Years Program

The Foundation Years Program (FYP) is a program designed for developing and acculturating young students into the PSHSS curriculum and scholastic life. It is offered as a required syllabus for 7th- and 8th-grade students. It contains a generalized science subject (Integrated Science), Mathematics, English, Filipino, Social Science, Values Education, Art, Design, and Technology (ADTech), and Computer Science. Furthermore, three subjects—Physical Education, Health, and Music—are all classified into one (1) single unit in the syllabus. An Earth Science course is further exclusively given to 8th-grade students in this program.

### Electives

Before the implementation of the K12 curriculum, students were required to take up one elective subject per year equivalent to one unit, starting from their second year. However, as a result of the new curriculum starting in 2012-2013, the class of 2018 will have their electives starting from their fourth year.

### Summer Science Internship Program

In the summer before their fifth year, to comply with their Summer Science Internship Program (SSIP) requirements, each student is required to complete 80 hours in an approved workplace for work experience related to science and technology. Approved workplaces include various international, national, or local agencies, as well as government agencies, educational institutions, and private corporations. This internship has no impact on the students' grades, but is a mandatory requirement for graduation. After completing 80 working hours in their institution, they are required to present a portfolio showcasing their work in their agency.
Students who attend the Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar (AJSS) of the Ateneo de Manila University are not required to complete internships, as their participation in the AJSS is accepted for their SSIP.

## Notable Students

In March 2020, students at PSHSS-Southern Mindanao Campus helped produce face shields for medical workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, using their school's 3D printer.
In 2023, Mary Grace U. Espino was selected as JCI's 56th Most Outstanding High School Graduate from nominees at high schools across Davao City.
In November 2023, students from PSHSS-Southern Mindanao Campus won a music video competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School System with a goal of mixing arts and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Students won with a song titled "Syensya at Teknolohiya.”