THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday approved on second reading House Bill No. 9726, which seeks to strengthen the governance and management of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System.
The bill seeks to increase student access to free, quality, and globally competitive education so that the country can have more professionals trained in science, technology, and innovation.
The bill would facilitate the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses per region, but only one campus per province. The PSHS Board of Trustees would be empowered to develop criteria, policies, and guidelines needed to maintain the quality and uniform educational standard in all campuses.
The measure also provides that a trust fund would be created for income generated from collected school fees to be used in implementing priority programs and activities.
Committee on Science and Technology chairperson Rep. Carlito Marquez (1st District, Aklan), who sponsored the bill, recognized that science, technology, and innovation are vital to national growth and development.
He noted that the PSHS System has already produced a number of young Filipino scientists, researchers, and nation builders.
“We need to strengthen the PSHS System to ensure that we have a huge supply of quality Filipino scientists in the making, who shall serve the country, and for them to become at par with the best in the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, the House adopted 1) House Resolution (HR) No. 1502, urging the Department of Education to integrate foreign language studies into the K to 12 Basic Education Program so as to acquaint learners in foreign languages other than English, and to encourage them to learn foreign languages that will vastly improve the employability in the global labor markets, 2) HR 1505, congratulating and commending Filipino powerlifter Mark Jason Galauran for winning the silver medal in the 2023 International Powerlifting Federation World Classic and Equipped Sub Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships, and 3) HR 1512, urging the Department of Transportation to fast-track the implementation of Phases 2 and 3 of the Toll Interoperability Project and to revive the DOTr Department Order No. 2020-12, to facilitate the efficient operation of tollway facilities.
Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan presided over Tuesday’s plenary session.
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