Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- The State prioritizes research and development, invention, innovation, and their practical applications.
- Focus on advancing science and technology education, training, and services.
- Support the development of indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities.
- Establish a PSHS System to act as a leader in secondary science and technology education.
Objectives
- Integrate existing PSHS campuses into a unified system of governance and management.
- Ensure uniform quality standards and systematize operations of PSHS campuses.
- Rationalize the establishment of science high schools within the system.
Definition of Terms
- Philippine Science High Schools (PSHS): secondary schools offering scholarships to deserving students under a special curriculum preparing them for careers in science and technology.
- Term: a six-year period constituting one term of office.
Scope
- The PSHS System includes the existing campuses at Diliman, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as future campuses established under this law.
Overall Coordinating Authority
- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) exercises administrative supervision over the PSHS System.
Board of Trustees
- Composition:
- Secretary of DOST (Chairman)
- Secretary of DECS (Vice Chairman)
- President of the University of the Philippines
- Executive Director of PSHS
- Director of the Science Education Institute (SEI)
- President of PSHS National Alumni Association
- Five private sector representatives (higher education, gifted education, industry, agriculture, new/emerging technologies)
- Appointment and Terms:
- Private representatives appointed by Chairman with Board confirmation.
- Terms: initial staggered terms of 4 or 2 years; subsequent terms fixed at 4 years.
- Powers and Functions:
- Formulate policies on administration, operations, personnel, curricula, student admission and discipline.
- Approve scholarships, stipends, graduations, and budget.
- Receive and administer grants, donations, and gifts.
- Develop policies for expansion and rationalization of science high schools.
- Prepare strategic plans focusing on youth talented in science and math.
Executive Director
- Appointment:
- Appointed by Chairman, approved by Board.
- Ranked equivalent to a bureau director.
- Six-year fixed term, renewable once.
- Roles:
- Coordinate curriculum planning and research on gifted students.
- Oversee publication of research outputs.
- Provide legal and technical support.
- Coordinate exchange programs locally and abroad.
- Develop linkages among campuses and other institutions.
- Manage scholar identification and selection.
- Serve as Board secretariat.
- Other necessary functions.
- Supported by a staff for efficient implementation.
Campus Director
- Appointment:
- Appointed by Board upon Executive Director's recommendation following a search process.
- Fixed six-year term, renewable once.
- Removal only for cause.
- Responsibilities:
- Administrative and academic head of the campus.
- Ensures smooth campus operations.
- May create consultative bodies to address educational needs.
Executive Committee
- Composed of the Executive Director and all Campus Directors.
- Functions as a collegial body for system-wide coordination.
Funding
- Initial implementation charged to current appropriations of existing campuses.
- Subsequent funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
- P20 million allocated for initial year operations in addition to existing campus budgets.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The Board of Trustees is mandated to formulate rules and regulations to implement the Act effectively.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- All laws, decrees, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect the day after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.