Of.-. -
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
24 SEP 24 P3 58
S. No.
SENATE
2836
m:
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
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) System plays a critical role in 
nurturing the country's future leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, 
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Since its inception, the PSHS System has 
produced a pool of graduates who have excelled in various scientific disciplines, 
contributing significantly to the country's development. However, as the demands of 
the modern world evolve, so too must our educational institutions, especially those 
catering to science and technology.
This proposed bill, titled the "Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) 
System Act", seeks to address several gaps in the current PSHS system and expand 
its reach and impact. By strengthening the governance and management of the PSHS 
system, the bill envisions a more comprehensive, equitable, and competitive STEM 
education framework in the Philippines.
Currently, many talented and deserving students across the country, especially 
those from far-flung regions, face difficulties accessing PSHS campuses. This bill 
addresses this disparity by establishing a limit of two PSHS campuses per


administrative region outside the National Capital Region (NCR), ensuring that regions 
with large populations and high demand for STEM education are adequately served. 
Additionally, it mandates that every province should have no more than one campus, 
balancing accessibility with strategic campus location.
The PSHS System offers free secondary education with a specialized curriculum 
focused on science and mathematics to students with high aptitude in these fields. 
This bill ensures that deserving students, identified through a rigorous admission 
process and other alternative methods, are given the opportunity to benefit from the 
program regardless of their geographic location.
To ensure that all PSHS campuses maintain a high level of academic 
performance, the bill outlines specific objectives for the uniformity of quality standards 
across campuses. It integrates all current and future PSHS campuses under a single 
system of governance and management, thereby ensuring that every campus 
operates under the same academic standards and administrative guidelines.
The bill likewise emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, both 
in research and development and in creating opportunities for students and faculty to 
participate in academic exchanges, competitions, and symposia. Such initiatives are 
crucial for enhancing the quality of education and research at the PSHS System, 
ensuring that its graduates remain competitive globally.
This bill recognizes the critical role of the Philippine Science High School System 
in preparing the next generation of Filipino scientists, engineers, and innovators. By 
expanding its reach, improving governance, and providing the necessary resources, 
the bill ensures that the PSHS System remains a world-class institution capable of 
meeting the country's evolving needs in STEM education. Its passage will strengthen 
the Philippines' scientific and technological capacity, ultimately contributing to national 
development and global competitiveness.


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator 
r


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
2836
24 SEP 24 P3:58
RliCEi’-
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
STRENGTHENING THE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
3 
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING
4 
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
5 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Expanded Philippine
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Science High School (PSHS) System Act."
7 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. — "The State shall give priority to research and
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development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science, technology,
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engineering and mathematics education, training and services. It shall support
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appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their
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application to the country's productive systems and national life. To achieve these,
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the State hereby establishes a PSHS System that will assume a leadership role in
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secondary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education."
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The State shall support the admission process of the PSHS System by
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establishing test centers all over the regions, to enhance equitable admissions and
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access for deserving students.
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The State shall also ensure that every region is given equal opportunity to
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benefit from the establishment of the PSHS System. Towards this end, not more than
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two (2) PSHS campuses inclusive of the existing PSHS Campuses shall be established


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in each of the administrative regions of the country outside NCR where PSHS-Main
2 
Campus is located. Provided that, all establishment of PSHS Campuses shall be in
3 
accordance with the criteria as set by the PSHS System Board of Trustees (Board).
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Provided further, not more than one (1) PSHS Campus shall be established per
5 
province. After 15 years of implementation of this law, the Board may consider
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establishment of more than two (2) PSHS campuses per region.
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SEC. 3. Objectives. — In implementing the foregoing policy, the State shall
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pursue the following objectives:
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1. Establish a PSHS Campus that offers on a free scholarship basis a 
secondary course with special emphasis on Science and Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics to students with high aptitude or gifted in 
science and mathematics;
2. Establish campuses that are strategically accessible to the public;
3. Ensure uniformity in quality standards and systematic operations of 
schools under the PSHS system;
4. Operationalize the establishment of PSHS campuses as defined in this 
Act;
5. Integrate existing and future campuses into one system of governance 
and management that may be established by this law;
6. Ensure that students with high aptitude or gifted in science and 
mathematics are given equal scholarship opportunities to enroll in the 
Philippine Science High School System;
7. Increase the pool of high school graduates who will pursue 
undergraduate courses to conduct researches and prepare scholars for 
career in Science and Technology (S&T) to become leaders in the field 
of STEM;
8. Establish international collaboration for holistic development of its 
student, staff and leaders; and
9. Support scholar's and teachers' participation in local and international 
competition, academic symposia, research projects, and similar other 
scholarly activities necessary for the attainment of its objective, subject


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to availability of funds and usual government accounting and audit 
regulations.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. —
1. Administrative Regions— refer to the administrative regions where the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) holds regional offices.
2. Careers in S & T- pertains to the enrollment of scholars in college or 
university courses in the fields of basic and applied sciences, 
mathematics, engineering, technology, science education and such 
other disciplines approved by the Board.
3. Deserving 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 Lateral Admission Qualifying 
Examination (LAQE), Requirement for Admission, Criteria, and 
Evaluation (RACE).
4. Philippine Science High School (PSHS) — refers to a school under the 
supervision of the PSHS System offering 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.
5. Philippine Science High School System (PSHS System) - consists of the 
Office of the Executive Director and the PSHS campuses under its 
supervision.
6. Term of Office — refers to the period fixed by this Act within which a 
public official may hold office;
7. Tenure of Office — refers to the period within which a public official 
actually held office within a prescribed term.
27 
SEC. 5. Scope. — The Philippine Science High School System shall be composed
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of the existing PSHS campuses herein mentioned and future campuses which shall be
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established under this Act. The existing sixteen (16) campuses shall be known as
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follows:


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1. Philippine Science High School - Main Campus in Diliman, Quezon City
2. Philippine Science High School - Davao Region Campus in Davao City, 
formerly PSHS - Southern Mindanao Campus
3. Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - Western Visayas Campus
4. Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus in Leyte, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus
5. Philippine Science High School - Cagayan Valley Campus in Nueva 
Vizcaya, formerly PSHS - Cagayan Valley Campus
6. Philippine Science High School - Northern Mindanao Campus in Lanao 
del Norte, formerly PSHS - Central Mindanao Campus
7. Philippine Science High School - Bicol Region Campus in Camarines Sur, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - Bicol Region Campus
8. Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus in Ilocos Sur, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - Ilocos Region Campus
9. Philippine Science High School - Central Visayas Campus in Cebu, 
formerly, Philippine Science High School - Central Visayas Campus
10. Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus in Clark Freeport 
Zone, formerly Philippine Science High School - Central Luzon Campus
11. Philippine Science High Schooi - Cordillera Administrative Region 
Campus in Baguio City, formerly Philippine Science High School - 
Cordillera Administrative Region Campus
12. Philippine Science High School - SOCCSKARGEN Region Campus in 
Koronadal City, formerly Philippine Science High Schooi - SOCCSKARGEN 
Region Campus
13. Philippine Science High School - CARAGA Region Campus in Butuan City, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - CARAGA Region Campus
14. Philippine Science High School - CALABARZON Region Campus in 
Batangas City, formerly Philippine Science High School - CALABARZON 
Region Campus
15. Philippine Science High Schooi - MIMAROPA Region Campus in Romblon, 
formerly Philippine Science High School - MIMAROPA Region Campus


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16. Philippine Science High Schooi - Zamboanga Peninsula Region Campus
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in Dipolog City, formerly Philippine Science High School - Zamboanga
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Peninsula Region Campus"
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In the estabiishment of future PSHS campuses, the Board may consider the
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following locations: 1st district of Akian; Daraga, Albay; Ubay, Bohoi; Laoag, Ilocos
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Norte: and Labangan, Zamboanga Dei Sur; Third District, Cagayan and General Santos
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City, South Cotabato. Provided that there shail be estabiished PSHS campuses per
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region and not more than one (1) campus per province according to the criteria as set
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by the PSHS Board of Trustees:
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SEC. 6. Restriction on the Conversion of High Schoois into a Phiiippine Science
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High Schooi System. — In addition to the criteria as set by the Board in the
12 
establishment and operation of PSHS System, the conversion and inclusion of existing
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high schools into the PSHS system shail not be allowed.
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SEC. 7. OveraH Coordinating Authority. — The PSHS System shall be under the
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administrative supervision of the DOST. The Board shali be the Governing Board of all
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the PSHS campus. The Board shall formulate the staffing pattern of the PSHS System
17 
in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil
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Service Commission (CSC).
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SEC. 8. PSHS Board of Trustees. — There shail be a Board of Trustees (Board)
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composed of the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technoiogy as ex officio
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Chairperson, the Secretary of Department of Education as ex officio Vice Chairperson
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and the following members: the President of the University of the Philippines, The
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Executive Director of PSHS, the Director of Science Education Institute (SEI), the
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President of the PSHS Nationai Aiumni Association, and the Chairpersons of the
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Committees on Science and Technoiogy of the Senate and the House of
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Representatives as ex officio members; and one (1) representative each from the
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private sector representing higher education, child development professionals or
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practitioners, agricuiture and new emerging technologies. The private sector
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representatives shall be appointed by the Board upon recommendation of a duly


1 
constituted search committee. The private sector representatives shaii serve a fixed
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term of four (4) years.
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The Board shall exercise the following powers:
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1. Ensure that the provisions of the laws pertaining to the creation and
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operation of the PSHS System are implemented;
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2. Approve policies and guidelines necessary in the establishment and
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operation of science high schools under the PSHS System in order to
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maintain the quality and uniform standard in all PSHS Campuses;
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3. Approve the curricula submitted by the Executive Director;
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4. Formulate policies for the expansion of enrollment in the campuses
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under the PSHS System;
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5. Approve the criteria for the selection and admission of students;
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6. Approve the grant and termination of PSHS scholarships including
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stipend and such ailowances for students;
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7. Approve the graduation of successful candidates from the various PSHS
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campuses;
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8. Approve the appointment of Executive Director, Deputy Executive
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Director(s) and Campus Director(s);
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9. Approve appointment, promotion, retention, renewal, rewards and
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incentives for faculty and non-teaching positions, fix their compensation
21 
and other conditions of employment, and remove them for cause after
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proper investigation and hearing;
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10. Approve the extension of services of faculty members over the age of
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65 up to 70 years of age and enjoy the rights and benefits under
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Republic Act No. 8439 as amended by Republic Act 11312 otherwise
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known as "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other
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Science and Technology Personnel in the Government".
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11. Draw up a position classification and compensation plan for its faculty
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and staff, and, any law to the contrary notwithstanding, to create
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positions and fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the faculty members
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and other employees and to determine the minimum hours of service of


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faculty and such other terms and conditions of employment as it may 
deem proper;
12. Receive grants whether cash, land, buildings, and improvements 
thereof; donations, contributions, bequests, gifts, and to formulate 
policies for the administration thereof in accordance with applicable 
internal revenue laws;
13. Approve the use of income generated by the PSHS System in the pursuit 
of its functions and donations received in trust by individual campuses, 
according to the purpose of the donor and intention of the donation. In 
cases where income/donation received is not intended for a particular 
campus, the Board shall likewise appropriate the same for the benefit of 
the System or any part thereof;
14. Approve policies and rules of discipline for students, faculty and staff;
15. Approve partnership of PSHS System with local and international 
institutions;
16. Approve policies and guidelines to rationalize the establishment and 
operation of a campus under the System, for its assessment, evaluation 
and approval including the naming or renaming of existing or future 
PSHS Campuses;
17. Approve criteria in the search for Executive Director (ED), Deputy 
Executive Directors (DED) and Campus Directors (CD), and the selection 
of teaching and non-teaching personnel;
18. Create and reorganize the composition of the Executive Committee;
19. Approve the organizationai and governance structure of the PSHS 
System recommended by the ED.
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SEC. 9. Executive Director— There shall be an Executive Director (ED) for the
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PSHS System who shall be appointed by the Board and shall have a rank of an
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Executive Director V, with a Salary Grade of 30. The ED shall have a tenure of five (5)
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years renewable for another term, but with a maximum of three (3) terms.


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The ED shall exercise academic and administrative supervision within the PSHS
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and shall be the Chief Executive Officer and primary implementor of policies and
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guidelines set by the Board.
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The ED shall perform the following roles and functions:
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1. Coordinate core curriculum planning activities and research-based
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development to be implemented by various campuses;
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2. Conduct a continuing evaluation of the implementation of the approved
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curriculum;
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3. Oversee research projects of PSHS campuses which shail include
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monitoring, coordinating, and evaluating research programs of
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campuses;
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4. Manage the IP registration, prototype development and
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commercialization or adoption of research outputs of scholars and
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students;
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5. Provide legal and technical support to members of the PSHS System.
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Towards this end, the Office of the Executive Director shall be provided
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with legal and technical staff who shall provide legal, technical and
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administrative services to PSHS campuses;
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6. Establish strategic linkages and coordinate student and faculty exchange
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programs with foreign and local institutions to upgrade the level of
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expertise of both faculty and students;
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7. Facilitate networking among the campuses of the PSHS System with
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other institutions in terms of sharing resources, expertise, and
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equipment;
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8. Oversee the development of a systemwide outreach program to upgrade
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the teaching of STEM and provide support within the capabilities and
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resources of various science high school campuses;
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9. Recommend for approval of the Board the organizational and
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governance structure of the PSHS System;
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10. Coordinate the implementation of Board approved admission process,
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criteria, and standards; and


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11. Provide secretariat services to the Board;
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The Executive Director shall be provided with the necessary staff for the
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efficient and effective implementation of the above functions.
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In view of the expansion of the PSHS System, the OED shall be provided with
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additional plantilla positions to be determined by the Executive Director and approved
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by the Board.
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SEC. 10. Deputy Executive Director. — There shall be three (3) Deputy
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Executive Directors (DED) with the rank of Deputy Executive Director IV and with
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Salary Grade 28 who shall be appointed by the Board. They shall serve for a tenure
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of five (5) years, renewable for another term but with a maximum of three (3) terms.
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SEC. 11. Campus Director. — There shall be a Campus Director (CD) for each
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PSHS campus appointed by the Board with the rank of Director III and Salary Grade
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27. The CD shall serve for a fixed term of five (5) years, renewable for another term
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but with a maximum of three (3) terms on the basis of a search process.
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The CD shall be the administrative and academic head of a campus and will be
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responsible for its smooth operations. The CD may constitute a consultative body
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which may act as a citizen's arm to interpret the educational needs of the service area
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of the campus.
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SEC. 12. Executive Committees (Execom). - There shall be an Executive
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Committee in the PSHS System composed of the ED as ex officio chairperson, DED as
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ex officio members and the CD representatives as members. The Execom is collegial
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in nature.
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Sec. 13. Facuity Members Quaiification. - Faculty members of the PSHS System
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shall be exempt from any civil service examination or regulations as a requisite to
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appointment. They shall be selected in accordance with such criteria as may be
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established by the Board which shall include, if necessary and practicable, screening
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and competitive examination.


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SEC. 14. Curriculum. - There shall be a PSHS System STEM Curriculum from
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Grades 7 to 10, and Grades 11 to 12 which shall be recognized as Junior High School,
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and Senior High School Levels, respectively.
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SEC. 15. Exemption from Tax. — All grants, bequests, endowments, gifts,
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donations, and contributions made to and used actually, directly, and exclusively for
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educational purposes by the PSHS shall be exempt from donor's tax and the same
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shall be considered as allowable deductions from gross income for purposes of
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computing the taxable income of the donee in accordance with the provisions of the
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National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
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The importation of scientific and research equipment for educational purposes
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made by the PSHS upon certification by the DOST shall be exempt from customs
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duties in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known
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as the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act."
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SEC. 16. Trust Fund. - Income generated from school fees collected shall be
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reported and deposited to an authorized government depository bank as a trust fund
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of the PSHS System to be used for priority programs and activities.
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SEC. 17. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of
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this act shail be included in the annuai generai appropriations act.
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SEC. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Board shall formulate,
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within ninety (90) days from effectivity of this Act, and issue the necessary
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Implementing Rules and Regulations to carry out the implementation of this Act.
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SEC. 19. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared
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invalid or unconstitutionai, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
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shall continue to be in full force and effect.
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SEC. 20. Transitory Provision. - Upon approval of this law, the following
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incumbent key officials of the PSHS System shall acquire new term of office, as follows:
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Hon-ex-officio members of the Board are eligible to assume a term of 4 years;
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Executive Director, and Deputy Executive Director, subject to meritorious
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performance and upon approval of the Board are eligible to assume a maximum of
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three (3) terms;
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Campus Directors, subject to meritorious performance and approval of the
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Board are eligible to assume a maximum of three (3) terms.
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Further, the Board thru the Executive Committee shall submit a reclassification
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or staffing modification and/ or position classification plan to fix the qualifications and
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upgrade the salary grades of its personnel particularly of its faculty that will recognize
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their specialized science teacher status subject to the existing policies of the DBM and
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the CSC rules and regulations.
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SEC. 21. Fallback Position. — At the end of his/her term, the Executive Director,
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Deputy Executive Director, or Campus Director may opt to remain with the PSHS
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System and occupy the highest available faculty rank in the PSHS System without
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diminution in salary.
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SEC. 22. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act Nos. 3661, 8436 and 9036 are
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hereby repealed. All laws, proclamations, orders, rules and regulations or parts
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thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended,
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repealed or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 23. Effectivlty. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
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Approved,
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