NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
2/; Dliu 11 25:22
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.
n
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE 
SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) is the country's premier science 
secondary education institution, dedicated to educating young Filipinos with an aptitude 
and interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 
PSHS has produced more than 25,000 graduates since its establishment in 1963, many 
of whom excel in their respective fields and contribute to the nation's progress through 
research and development.
To bring the exemplary quality of education that the PSHS offers to more students, 
RA 9036 was passed in 2001, mandating the establishment of one PSHS campus in every 
region. The PSHS System currently has 16 campuses all over the Philippines.
With the increasing role that technology and innovation play in the development 
of societies, the country needs more scientists and STEM professionals to help usher the 
nation toward progress. As such, this bill intends to grant even more aspiring young 
scientists an opportunity to receive quality education by increasing the number of PSHS 
campuses in the regions.
Allowing for the establishment of a maximum of two (2) PSHS campuses in every 
region would enable more students to have access to the world-class education and 
training that PSHS is known to provide. With this bill, it is envisioned that our country will 
become a breeding ground for innovative, future-oriented, and competitive scientists, 
engineers, and mathematicians, whose academic brilliance is matched only by their 
commitment to service.
Science, technology, and research are the backbone of all innovation and 
development. As we strive towards becoming a more advanced society, it would need an 
army of well-educated and well-trained professionals, which is only possible if we provide 
our youth with access to high-quality education.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
)
)
)
l1-
SENATE 
Senate Bill No._^
ri
°902
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE 
SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in Congress 
assembied:
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "ExpandedPhiiippine 
Science High Schooi (PSHS) System Act."
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote science and technology research and development, invention, innovation, and 
their utilization. The State also recognizes the need to enhance Science, Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, training and services, and support 
appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities and their application 
to increase productivity and enhance the quality of life for everyone. Towards this end, 
the State hereby establishes a PSHS System that will assume a leadership role in 
secondary STEM education.
SEC. 3. Objectives. — This Act aims to achieve the following objectives:
a) Establish strategically accessible PSHS campuses that provide, on scholarship 
basis, secondary education programs with special emphasis on Science, 
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for students with exceptional aptitude 
or who are gifted in science and mathematics;
b) Increase the pool of high school graduates who will pursue undergraduate courses 
to conduct research and prepare scholars as leaders In the field of STEM, or In 
careers in science and technology (S&T);
c) Consolidate existing and future campuses under a unified system of governance 
and management to ensure consistent quality standards and efficient operations 
across all campuses within the PSHS system;
d) Support the holistic development of scholars, faculty and staff within the PSHS 
system by facilitating and encouraging participation in international collaborations, 
local and international competitions, academic symposia, research projects, and


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Other similar activities.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
a) Administrative Regions — refer to the administrative regions where the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) holds regional offices.
b) Qualified Students - refers to those who qualify for admission through the PSHS 
National Competitive Examination, or similar other admission process approved by 
the Board such as but not limited to the Lateral Admission Qualifying Examination 
(LAQE), and Requirement for Admission, Criteria, and Evaluation (RACE).
SEC. 5. Expansion of the Philippine Science High School System. — There 
shall be established a PSHS System under the administrative supervision of the 
Department of Science and Technology to be composed of a maximum of two (2) PSHS 
campuses in each administrative region of the country except in the National Capital 
Region where the PSHS-Main Campus is located: Provided, That no two (2) PSHS 
campuses in each region shall be located in the same province; Provided Further, that 
fifteen years after the effectivity of this Act, the PSHS Board of Trustees may establish 
additional campuses, subject to a comprehensive review based on need or demand, and 
in accordance with other criteria to be determined by the Board.
A PSHS campus shall offer secondary education on scholarship basis to students 
with high aptitude or are gifted in science and mathematics using a specially designed 
curriculum focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
SEC. 6. PSHS System Campuses. - The Philippine Science High School System 
shall be composed of the existing PSHS campuses herein mentioned and future campuses 
which shall be established under this Act. The existing sixteen (16) campuses shall be 
known as follows:
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5.
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Philippine Science High School - Main Campus in Diliman, Quezon City 
Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus in 
Baguio City, formerly Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative 
Region Campus
Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur, formerly 
Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus 
Philippine Science High School - Cagayan Valley Campus in Nueva Vizcaya, 
formerly PSHS - Cagayan Valley Campus
Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus in Clark Freeport Zone, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus 
Philippine Science High School - CALABARZON Region Campus in Batangas City, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - CALABARZON Region Campus 
Philippine Science High School - MIMAROPA Region Campus in Romblon, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - MIMAROPA Region Campus 
Philippine Science High School - Bicol Region Campus in Camarines Sur, formerly 
Philippine Science High School - Bicol Region Campus 
Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City, formerly 
Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus


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10. Philippine Science High School - Central Visayas Campus in Cebu, formerly, 
Philippine Science High School - Central Visayas Campus
11. Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus in Leyte, formerly 
Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus
12. Philippine Science High School - Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus in Dipolog 
City, formerly Philippine Science High School - Zamboanga Peninsula Region 
Campus"
13. Philippine Science High School - Northern Mindanao Campus in Lanao del Norte, 
formerly PSHS - Central Mindanao Campus
14. Philippine Science High School - Davao Region Campus in Davao City, formerly 
PSHS - Southern Mindanao Campus
15. Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Koronadal 
City, formerly Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus
16. Philippine Science High School - CARAGA Region Campus in Butuan City, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - CARAGA Region Campus
In the establishment of future PSHS campuses, the PSHS Board of Trustees may 
consider the following locations: Ilocos Norte, Cagayan Province, Akian, Albay, Bohol, 
Zamboanga Del Sur, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
SEC. 7. Executive Director of the PSHS System. — The PSHS System shall 
be headed by an Executive Director who shall serve for a period of six (6) years, 
renewable for another term of six (6) years. The Executive Director shall be appointed 
by the Board, based on the guidelines and qualifications set forth in the implementing 
rules and regulations of this Act.
The Executive Director shall have a rank of Executive Director V, with a Salary 
Grade of 30. In case of vacancy due to death, health reasons, incapacity or removal from 
office for cause in the position of the Executive Director, the newly appointed Executive 
Director shall only serve the unexpired term without prejudice to being reappointed for 
another term of six (6) years.
The Executive Director shall exercise academic and administrative supervision over 
the PSHS System, and shall coordinate the implementation of policies and guidelines set 
by the Board, in addition to those specifically provided for in Section 8 of this Act.
SEC. 8. Roles and Functions of the Executive Director. - The Executive 
Director shall perform the following roles and functions:
a) Coordinate the implementation of Board-approved admission process, criteria and 
standards; and
b) Facilitate and coordinate curriculum planning, review and evaluation activities and 
research-based development in PSHS System;
c) Monitor, coordinate, and evaluate research projects and initiatives of PSHS 
campuses;
d) Manage the registration of intellectual property, prototype development, and the 
commercialization or adoption of research outputs of students;
e) Provide legal and technical assistance to faculty, staff and students of the PSHS 
System;


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f) Establish strategic linkages, and coordinate exchange and training programs with 
local and international partners to enhance the expertise and competencies of 
students, faculty members, and staff;
g) Facilitate networking and sharing of resources, expertise, equipment, and 
technology across PSHS campuses with partner institutions to ensure access to 
advanced tools and facilities that support academic and research excellence;
h) Supervise the development of a systemwide outreach program to upgrade STEM 
education and extend support to PSHS campuses within the capabiiities and 
resources of various science high school campuses; and
i) Serve as secretariat to the Board.
Subject to the approval of the Board, and in accordance with the Revised 
Compensation and Position Classification System, existing civil service laws, rules, and 
regulations, the Executive Director shall determine and prepare the organizational 
structure and staffing complement required for the expanded PSHS System, inciuding the 
addition, reclassification or staffing modification, and the qualifications of the PSHS 
System personnel, taking into consideration the specialized science teacher status of 
faculty members. The Board shall submit requests for additional plantilla positions to the 
Department of Budget and Management for review and approvai.
SEC. 9. Deputy Executive Directors of the PSHS System. — There shail be 
three (3) Deputy Executive Directors who shall assist the Executive Director. The Deputy 
Executive Directors shall be appointed by the Board, based on the guidelines and 
qualifications set forth in the impiementing rules and regulations of this Act, for a term 
of six (6) years, renewable for another term of six (6) years.
The Deputy Executive Director shall have a rank of Deputy Executive Director IV 
and with Salary Grade 28. In case of vacancy due to death, health reasons, incapacity or 
removal from office for cause in the position of the Executive Director, the newly 
appointed Deputy Executive Director shaii only serve the unexpired term without 
prejudice to being reappointed for another term of six (6) years.
SEC. 10. Campus Director of the PSHS System Campuses. — There shall be 
a Campus Director for each PSHS campus who shaii serve for a period of six (6) years, 
renewable for another term of six (6) years to be appointed by the Board upon 
recommendation of the Executive Director, based on the guidelines and qualifications set 
forth in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
The Board shall fix the compensation of the Campus Director, in accordance with 
the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System.
The Campus Director shall serve as the administrative and academic head of a 
PSHS campus and shall be responsible for its day-to-day operations. The Campus Director 
may constitute a consultative body that may act as a citizen's arm to interpret the 
educational needs of a campus service area.
SEC. 11. Executive Committee. - There shall be an Executive Committee 
composed of the Executive Director as ex-officio chairperson. Deputy Executive Directors


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as ex-ofFicio members, the Campus Directors as members, and such other ranking faculty 
members or ofRcials of the PSHS System as the Board may deem necessary.
The Executive Committee shall develop and conduct periodic review of the PSHS 
System curriculum, and other training programs implemented by the PSHS System 
campuses, and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as the Board may 
prescribe.
SEC. 12. PSHS Board of Trustees. — There is hereby created a PSHS System 
Board of Trustees, herein referred to as the Board, which shall serve as the governing 
body of all PSHS campuses.
The Board shall be composed of the following:
a) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology as ex officio Chairperson;
b) Secretary of the Department of Education as ex officio Vice Chairperson;
c) President of the University of the Philippines;
d) Executive Director of PSHS System;
e) Director of Science Education Institute (SEI);
f) President of the PSHS National Alumni Association; and
g) One representative each from the private sector representing higher education, 
child development professionals or practitioners, agriculture and new emerging 
technologies;
h) Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Senate of the 
Philippines; as ex-officio member; and
i) Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of 
Representatives as ex officio member.
The private sector representatives shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees 
upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee, and shall serve for a fixed 
term of four (4) years.
SEC. 13. Powers and Functions of the PSHS Board of Trustees. — The
Board shall exercise the following powers and functions:
a) Formulate policies, guidelines, and criteria in the establishment, administration, 
operation, and monitoring evaluation of campuses in the PSHS System to ensure 
consistent quality standards in all campuses;
b) Identify additional campuses of the PSHS System as provided for in Section 5 of 
this Act, including the naming or renaming of existing or future campuses;
c) Formulate policies for the expansion of enrollment in the PSHS System;
d) Approve the curriculum drawn up by the Executive Committee as provided for in 
Sections 11 and 16 of this Act;
e) Approve the criteria for the selection and admission of students;
f) Approve the grant and termination of scholarships including stipend and such 
allowances for students;
g) Approve the graduation of successful candidates from the various PSHS campuses;
h) Approve policies and rules of discipline for students, faculty and staff;
i) Approve the organizational structure and personnel complement of the PSHS 
System as recommended by the Executive Director;
j) Formulate policies on appointment, promotion, retention or renewal of contracts,
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compensation, removal for just cause, rewards, incentives, and other conditions 
of employment;
k) Appoint the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors, and Campus Directors;
l) Reorganize the composition of the Executive Committee;
m) Approve the extension of services of faculty members over the age of 65 up to the 
age of 70 who shall enjoy the rights, benefits and entitlements under Republic Act 
No. 8439, as amended or "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and 
other Science and Technology Personnel in the Government";
n) To receive and appropriate for the ends herein specified such sums as may be 
provided by law for the support of the PSHS System;
o) To receive grants, bequests, endowments, gifts, donations, and contributions of 
cash, real and personal properties of all kinds and to administer the same for the 
benefit of the PSHS System or for aid to any of its students;
p) Authorize the utilization of income generated by the PSHS System to support its 
functions, and donations received in trust by individual campuses, in accordance 
with the donor's specified purpose and the intended use of the donation: Provided, 
That for income or donations not designated for a particular campus, the Board 
shall allocate such income or donation for the benefit of the System or any of its 
campuses, as it may appropriate;
q) Approve partnerships and collaborations entered into by the PSHS System and its 
campuses with local and international institutions; and
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To perform any and all other acts incident to or required by virtue of this Act.
SEC. 14. Restriction on the Conversion of High Schoois into a Philippine 
Science High School System. — The conversion and inclusion of existing high schools 
into the PSHS System shall not be allowed.
Sec. 15. Faculty Members Qualification- Faculty members of the PSHS 
System shall be exempt from any civil service examination or regulations as a requisite 
to appointment. They shall be selected in accordance with such criteria as may be 
formulated and approved by the Board, such as but not be limited to screening and 
competitive examinations.
SEC. 16. Curriculum. - There shall be a PSHS System STEM Curriculum from 
Grades 7 to 10, and Grades 11 to 12 which shall be recognized as Junior High School, 
and Senior High School Levels, respectively.
SEC. 17. Exemption from Tax. — All grants, bequests, endowments, gifts, 
donations and contributions made to and used actually, directly, and exclusively for 
educational purposes by the PSHS System shall be exempt from donor's tax and the same 
shall be considered as allowable deductions from gross income for purposes of computing 
the taxable income of the donee, in accordance with the provisions of the National 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
The importation of scientific and research equipment for educational purposes 
made by the PSHS System, upon certification by the DOCT, shall be exempt from customs 
duties in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as 
the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act."


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SEC. 18. Trust Fund. - Income generated from school fees shall be reported and 
deposited to an authorized government depository bank as a trust fund of the PSHS 
System to be used for priority programs and activities.
SEC. 19. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of 
this Act shali be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 20. Transitory Provision. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, the following 
incumbent key officials of the PSHS System shall acquire new term of office, as follows:
a) Non-ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees shall assume a term of four (4) 
years;
b) The Executive Director, and Deputy Executive Directors, subject to meritorious 
performance and upon approvai of the Board, shall assume a term of six (6) years, 
and may be renewed for another term of six (6) years; and
c) Campus Directors, subject to meritorious performance and approval of the Board, 
shall assume a term of six (6) years, and may be renewed for another term of six 
(6) years.
SEC. 21. Failback Position. — At the end of his/her term, the Executive Director, 
Deputy Executive Director, or Campus Director may opt to remain with the PSHS System 
and occupy the highest available faculty rank in the PSHS System.
SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Board shall formulate 
and issue, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the necessary 
Implementing Rules and Regulations to carry out the implementation of this Act.
SEC. 23. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act Nos. 3661, 8436 and 9036 are 
hereby repealed. All laws, proclamations, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof, 
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, repealed or 
modified accordingly.
SEC. 25. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,