Law Summary
Integration and Unified Management
- Existing PSHS campuses in Diliman, Nueva Vizcaya, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Leyte, Lanao del Norte, and Davao City shall be integrated into a single system of governance and management.
Composition and Campus Identification
- The PSHS System comprises existing campuses and future campuses established under the Act.
- Specific existing campuses are named as main and regional campuses (e.g., PSHS main campus in Diliman, PSHS Cagayan Valley, PSHS Bicol Region, etc.).
- The Nueva Vizcaya Science High School is absorbed into the PSHS System as the PSHS Cagayan Valley campus.
- The PSHS Bicol campus is distinct and separate from San Rafael National High School, which remains under the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).
- Future campus locations include San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region campus) and Aborlan, Palawan (Palawan campus).
Prohibition on Conversion
- Conversion and inclusion of existing high schools into the PSHS System are prohibited.
- The establishment and operation of PSHS campuses must comply with Board of Trustees’ guidelines/criteria.
Administrative Supervision and Governing Board
- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) exercises administrative supervision over the PSHS System.
- The PSHS System Board of Trustees serves as the governing board for all PSHS campuses nationwide.
Composition and Powers of the Board of Trustees
- Composed of DOST Secretary (Chairman), DECS Secretary (Vice Chairman), President of the University of the Philippines, Executive Director of PSHS, Director of the Science Education Institute, President of PSHS National Alumni Association, congressional committee chairpersons on science and technology, and private sector representatives from various fields.
- Appointments of private representatives are made upon recommendations through a search committee; initial terms vary to stagger appointments.
- Board powers include formulation of policies and guidelines, establishment of campuses, approval of appointments and curricula, student admission, scholarship grants, graduation approvals, budget administration, and policy development among others.
Executive Director Role
- An Executive Director (ED) is appointed by the Board, holding the rank of bureau director with a six-year renewable term.
- The ED exercises supervisory authority over all campus directors and implements Board policies.
- The ED is a Board member responsible for representing campus concerns.
Deputy Executive Director Position
- A Deputy Executive Director (DED) is appointed by the Board for a renewable six-year term.
- The DED assists by performing duties assigned by the Executive Director.
Executive Committee
- Composed of the Executive Director as chairperson and the Campus Directors as members.
- Supports system-wide coordination and implementation of policies.
Legal Provisions and Clauses
- Separability Clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repealing and Amending Clause rescinds inconsistent laws, rules, or regulations.
- The Act took effect immediately upon approval.
This comprehensive statutory framework reinforces the governance structure, regional equity, operational protocols, and quality standards of the Philippine Science High School System, promoting a uniform, high-caliber science education across regions.