After a series of dialogues, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System recently concluded its nationwide series of public consultations for the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12310 or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act.
A photo collage of the Philippine Science High School campuses. The Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act will increase the number of campuses under the premier science high school to two per region, delivering high-quality, inclusive, and globally competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education throughout the country. (Image courtesy of Philippine Science High School System)
The series culminated at the Philippine Science High School-Northern Mindanao Campus in Lanao del Norte on January 22, 2026, for the Mindanao-leg consultation. Other legs of the consultation were held at PSHS-Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City for Visayas on December 11, 2025; PSHS-CALABARZON Region Campus in Batangas City for Luzon on December 16, 2025; and the PSHS-Main Campus in Diliman, Quezon City for the National Capital Region on January 16, 2026.
The public consultations brought together key government agencies, education and research institutions, and other stakeholders involved in science education and public service to ensure transparency and meaningful stakeholder participation.
Each consultation featured an overview of the law, the IRR drafting initiative, and a section-by-section discussion of the draft IRR. Open plenary sessions allow participants to raise concerns, seek clarifications, and offer recommendations grounded in regional and institutional realities.
Signed into law on October 3, 2025, Republic Act No. 12310 strengthens and expands the mandate of PSHSS to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and globally competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education nationwide. One of the most salient provisions of the law is the establishment of at least 2 campuses per region, enabling the DOST-PSHS System to serve more scholars from diverse areas of the country.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. underscored the importance of the Expanded PSHS System Act as a major milestone in advancing Philippine STEM education.
“Ito po ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa mas malawak at mas inklusibong STEM education para sa bawat kabataang Pilipino. Ito ay nagpapakita ng panibagong pagtitibay ng ating mithiing magbigay ng dekalidad na STEM education na tunay na umaabot at ramdam ng mas maraming Pilipino…anuman ang kanilang rehiyon, pinagmulan, o kalagayan sa buhay,” says Solidum.
The nationwide consultation series aimed to produce a validated and refined draft IRR, enhanced stakeholder participation, alignment with existing legal and policy frameworks, clearer institutional roles, and strengthened transparency and accountability in the rule-making process.
Secretary Solidum emphasized that the IRR must faithfully reflect the intent of the law while addressing the diverse needs and realities of regions nationwide, noting that stakeholder participation is essential in shaping policies that will influence future generations of Filipino scientists, innovators, and leaders.
With the completion of public consultations, DOST reaffirms its commitment to participatory governance and evidence-based policymaking. Consolidated inputs from all regions will serve as the basis for finalizing an IRR that will strengthen the DOST-PSHS System and advance national development through science, technology, and innovation.
The Expanded PSHS System Act is the culmination of years of program reviews, stakeholder consultations, and assessments conducted across PSHS campuses nationwide. These preparatory efforts identified gaps and emerging challenges, laying the groundwork for legislative reform well before the formal legislative process began.
Key milestones included the approval of the bill on third reading in the House of Representatives in February 2024, Senate approval in June 2025, ratification of the bicameral conference committee report, and its signing into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in October 2025.
The journey toward expanding access to quality STEM education continues. The DOST and the PSHS System invite the public to follow updates on the implementation of the Expanded PSHS System Act and take part in building a science education system that reaches more Filipino learners, in every region of the country.
The consultation series for the IRR of the Expanded Pisay System Act is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.pshs.edu.ph.
