Bill to create math and science high schools in every province

A lawmaker has filed a bill creating math and science high schools nationwide to allow
bright and talented students in the far-flung areas of the country to pursue their talents in these
fields of endeavor.
Rep. Sherwin T. Gatchalian (
st
!istrict" #alen$uela %ity& said 'ouse (ill )*+ mandates
the !epartment of ,ducation (!ep,d& to coordinate with the local government units (-G.s& in
establishing at least one public math and science high school in every province.
/0n order to fulfill our destiny as the ne1t true Asian tiger economy" we must ensure that
we have invested in the human capital necessary to achieve our goal"2 Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said despite the increasing government commitment to improving education"
the country is still tailing behind the other countries with regard to 3uality education.
/4ational performance in math has worsened" with students posting an average score of
only )5.67 on the 4ational Achievement Tests from 8+ to 8+8"2 Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said math and science are only available to the lucky few that are admitted to
the 9hilippine Science 'igh School and those who are fortunate enough to live near one of the
other science high schools scattered across the country.
Gatchalian noted that the establishment of a new structure of accessible math and science
high schools across the 9hilippines will allow capable and willing students who have been
hindered by geographic and economic barriers to pursue a science-based education in numbers
that are as of yet unheard of in the country.
/:ithout a solid workforce of scientists" mathematicians" engineers" and other skilled
professionals" the 9hilippines will continue on with an economy perennially on the brink" yet
never achieving" full industriali$ation and the prosperity that comes with it"2 Gatchalian said.
The measure to be known as the ,3uitable Access to ;ath and Science ,ducation Act
shall implement a si1-year integrated <unior-senior high school curriculum that focuses on
advanced science" mathematics" and technology sub<ects under the guidance of the !ep,d and
the !epartment of Science and Technology (!=ST&.
.nder the bill" math and science high school graduate must enroll in a course-of-study in
pure and applied sciences" mathematics" engineering" technology" or any other field deemed
appropriate by the %ommission on 'igher ,ducation.
A graduate who shifts or transfers to any unrelated course prior to completion of the
degree program shall pay a fine e3uivalent to the total cost incurred by the government during
their period of study. (6+& jc
NR # 3594
SEPT. 19, 2014