BALO-I, Lanao del Norte — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted the Mindanao leg of the public consultation on the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12310, or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act of 2025, at the Philippine Science High School–Northern Mindanao Campus

DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro M. Gatchalian said stakeholder consultation is necessary for implementing the law, which sets the framework for expanding the PSHS System. He noted that the IRR will define the guidelines and procedures for operations.  

Gatchalian added that stakeholder inputs will be consolidated, finalized, and published in the Official Gazette before full implementation across PSHS campuses. The Mindanao consultation was the fourth and final leg of a nationwide series, following sessions in Luzon, the Visayas, and the National Capital Region.  

“There have been very productive consultations in the first three, but so far, this has been one of the most well-participated and active consultations. That’s because of the many questions raised by the participants, a lot of suggestions, and some inputs that were not actually covered during the first three consultations… Marami pa rin silang naipasok, which of course we will consider,” he said.  

The consultation gathered stakeholders from local government units, national government agencies, the academe, and public and private institutions involved in science, technology, and education.  

Odyssa Molo, a faculty member and officer of the Federation of Parents-Teachers Associations of PSHS–Northern Mindanao, thanked organizers for including parents and educators.  

“Pasalamat mi nga na-imbitar kay nakabalo mi nga this is how things are done diay in Pisay and murag sa tanang level gyod… so nasabtan namo ang ilang mga plans pod somehow,” she said.   (We are grateful to have been invited because it allowed us to see how things are done at PSHS… so we were able to understand their plans to some extent.)  

Molo suggested that community development should be considered as the system expands, including coordination with agencies such as the Department of Education.  

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the law on Oct. 3, 2025, to strengthen the governance and management of the country’s secondary science school system. The law provides for the establishment of additional PSHS campuses nationwide to offer scholarship-based secondary education focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  

It also aims to increase the number of students pursuing STEM college studies and careers, ensure quality standards across PSHS campuses, and support the development of scholars, faculty, and staff. The law mandates the establishment of a PSHS campus in the Negros Island Region.  

For future expansion, the PSHS System Board of Trustees may consider sites in Aklan’s First District, Polangui in Albay, Ubay in Bohol, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur, the Third District of Cagayan, General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Bukidnon.  

PSHS–Northern Mindanao Campus Director Chuchi P. Garganera said outreach and promotional activities are needed to encourage applications. She urged students to take the National Competitive Examination (NCE) and avail themselves of scholarship opportunities.  

“Ato pod gi-train, gitudloan ang mga bata… to give back to the Filipino people and to the country,” she said.  

(We also train and teach the students of the Philippine Science High School to give back… and to contribute to the Filipino people and to the country.) (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)