Science Schools in the Philippines

One outstanding program for science education supported by the government is the establishment of
science schools in various parts of the country. There are also several government programs
implemented by the Department of Education and few private schools for science education.

Philippine Science High School Systems (PSHSS)

This is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is a service institute of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose mandate is to offer free scholarship basis for
secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of
preparing its students for a science career (Republic Act No. 3661). The school maintains a dormitory for
all its students.

Since its inception, the PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science scholars
with scientific minds and passion for excellence. PSHSS students have proven to be a beacon of
excellence, courage, and hope for the country. They have brought honor to the Philippines through their
exemplary achievements in various international competitions and research circles. When the students
graduate from the school, they are expected to pursue degrees in science and technology at various
colleges and universities locally or abroad.

Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project

The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance to DepEd Order No. 73 s.
2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. This project started in June 2007 with 57 identified elementary
schools that participated or were identified as science elementary schools in the country. Since its
inception, the number have grown to more than 60 schools nationwide and this is now its sixth year of
implementation.

The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and technological
knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to:

 provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a special curriculum

that recognizes the multiple intelligences of the learners;
 promote the development of lifelong learning skills; and
 foster the holistic development of the learners.

The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade 1 with a longer time compared to other
subjects: 70 minutes for Grades I to III and 80 minutes for Grades IV to VI. The curriculum also utilizes
different instructional approaches that address the learning styles and needs of the learners like the use
of investigatory projects.
Quezon City Regional Science High School

The school was established or September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named Quezon City Science
High School. It was turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital Region in 1999.
The school was a product of a dream to establish a special science school for talented stents in science
and mathematics. The focus of the curriculum is on science and technology. The school still teaches the
basic education courses prescribed by the Department of Education (DepEd) for secondary education.
However, there are additional subjects in sciences and technology that students should take. The school
envisions to serve es a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students to develop
spirit of inquiry and creativity. The school is well-supported by the local government unit and by the
Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). The school is under the Department of Education.

Manila Science High School

The school was established on October 1, 1963, as the Manila Science High School (MSHS). It is the first
science high school in the Philippines. The organization and curriculum of the school puts more
emphasis on science and mathematics. MSHS aims to produce scientists with souls. To do this,
humanities courses and other electives are included in their curriculum. Students are also encouraged to
participate in various extracurricular activities. The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila
Science High School Admission Test (MSAT), for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts
aptitude in science, aptitude test in mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem- solving test
in mathematics, and proficiency in English. The school prides itself from producing outstanding alumni
and for winning various national competitions.

Central Visayan Institute Foundation

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic
Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories adapted to
foster the highest level of learning creativity, and productivity.

The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established in 1992,
which organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and
perspectives un outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.

Conclusion

Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in helping the public develop
science literacy. This is important in the promotion and development of science and technology in the
country. Science education deals with the development of people in science, which is the heart of
science, technology, and society.