Press Release - Gatchalian pushes for math and science high schools; regional science high school in Catbalogan inaugurated

To ensure the development of a solid workforce of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals in the country, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated his proposal to establish public math and science high schools in all provinces nationwide.

Gatchalian graced the inauguration ceremony and blessing of the new Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School campus in Catbalogan City, Samar on September 28, 2024. The lawmaker donated P79.5 million for the construction of campus buildings. He also joined Samar Governor Sharee Tan in the initial distribution of 32 television sets at Samar National School, part of a total of 90 TV sets to be distributed overall.

"Isinusulong natin ang pagkakaroon ng mga pampublikong math and science high schools sa lahat ng mga probinsya, lalo na't mahalaga ang papel ng agham at matematika sa pagsulong ng inobasyon sa ating bansa. Kasabay nito, mahalagang tiyakin din natin na bawat public math and science high school sa ating bansa ay may sapat na mga kagamitan at pasilidad para sa paghahatid ng dekalidad na edukasyon," said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Under the 19th Congress, Gatchalian filed the Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act (Senate Bill No. 476), mandating provinces without at least one public math and science high school to establish one in their provincial capitals. To establish these schools, these provinces should work with the Department of Education (DepEd).

These public math and science high schools shall implement a six-year integrated junior-senior high school curriculum focused on advanced science, mathematics, and technology subjects under the guidance of the DepEd and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Graduates of these public math and science high schools are required to enroll in a four- or five-year Bachelor's degree in Science program at an accredited college or university.

Math and science high school sa bawat probinsya isinusulong ni Gatchalian

Upang matiyak ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na bilang ng mga science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals sa bansa, binigyang diin ni Senador Win Gatchalian