PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM ACT OF 1997

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 8496 (Philippine Science High School System Act of 1997)

Declaration of Policy and Objectives (Sections 2-3):
- The State shall prioritize Research and Development, innovation, and Science and Technology education.
- The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System is established to assume a leadership role in secondary-level science and technology education.
- Objectives include integrating existing PSHS campuses, ensuring uniform quality standards, and rationalizing the establishment of new science high schools.

Definition of Terms (Section 4):
- Philippine Science High Schools (PSHS) are secondary schools offering scholarships to deserving students trained under a curriculum designed for careers in Science and Technology.
- Term refers to a 6-year term of office.

Scope and Structure (Sections 5-6):
- The PSHS System comprises the existing PSHS campuses at Diliman, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Mindanao, and future campuses established under this law.
- The PSHS System is under the administrative supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Board of Trustees (Section 7):
- A Board of Trustees is established, chaired by the DOST Secretary, with members from various sectors.
- The Board has powers to formulate policies, approve curricula, admission criteria, scholarships, graduation, discipline rules, budget, and strategic plans.
- Private sector representatives have a 4-year term, with staggered initial appointments.

Executive Director (Section 8):
- An Executive Director (ED) is appointed by the DOST Secretary, with a 6-year renewable term.
- The ED coordinates policy implementation, curriculum planning, research projects, publications, legal and technical support, exchange programs, linkages, and scholar selection.
- The ED is provided with a staff.

Campus Director (Section 9):
- Each campus is headed by a Campus Director (CD) appointed by the Board, with a 6-year renewable term.
- The CD is the administrative and academic head of the campus, responsible for its smooth operations.
- The CD may constitute a consultative body to interpret the educational needs of the campus service area.

Executive Committee (Section 10):
- An Executive Committee is formed, composed of the Executive Director and Campus Directors, with a collegial character.

Funding (Section 11):
- Initial implementation is funded from the current year's appropriations of the existing PSHS campuses.
- An additional ₱20,000,000.00 is appropriated for the initial year of operation.
- Subsequent funding is included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 12):
- The Board of Trustees shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations.

Separability Clause (Section 13), Repealing Clause (Section 14), and Effectivity (Section 15) are also included.