New Clark City learning center seen

NEW CLARK CITY — The Philippine Science High School and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority recently kicked off the construction of the 4.6-hectare Infinitum learning resource center inside this ecozone as part of the government's thrust to develop the education system of the academe.

In a simple groundbreaking ceremony, the BCDA and the PSHS inaugurated the learning center that aims to become the center for 21st-century learning and service continuity for the entire PSHS system.

The learning center has a completion date of 2026.

The said learning center will serve as a campus for PSHS senior high students and a resource center for teachers and professionals and will house a multi-purpose academic building with 24 classrooms, case rooms, library, faculty room, and a dining hall; a research center for chemistry, physics, environmental science and biology; a technology hub for computer science, mathematics and humanities; an innovation center; a training center; dormitories; administration building; and a summer camp area.

PSHS Central Luzon Campus director Theresa Anne O. Diaz said the Infinitum's state-of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories and immersive academic spaces form part of the modernization efforts of PSHS, which are aimed toward the continuous development of students as well as teaching and non-teaching employees.

She added that the Infinitum will also accommodate the increasing student and employee population in PSHS' existing campus at the Clark Freeport Zone.

Under the approved master development plan, 80 percent of the total campus area will be open space, while only 20 percent will be occupied. This is in line with the sustainability guidelines of New Clark City.

Meantime, BCDA president and CEO Aileen R. Zosa said that the rise of PSHS' Infinitum campus in New Clark City will be an important driver of the knowledge-based industries that will locate in New Clark City, providing the much-needed scientists, technicians and specialists that make up the outstanding human resources pool in the city.

"At a time when Central and Northern Luzon are primed for growth, the rise of the state-of-the-art Infinitum in New Clark City will enable us to provide more opportunities for quality education to the next generation of leaders here," Zosa said.

"This way, we can ensure that, in decades to come, the next generation can sustain — or even surpass — the growth we are helping to build here," she added.

During the groundbreaking event, BCDA senior vice president for Conversion and Development Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang highlighted the importance of continuous and well-rounded education and learning in the economic and national development of communities.

It was in April 2016 when the BCDA and PSHS signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a campus for senior high school students, as well as a learning resource center for teachers, administrative support, and other professionals in New Clark City.

The PSHS then submitted a master development plan for Infinitum, which was approved in August 2021 by the BCDA Board of Directors.

As an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, the PSHS system contributes to nation-building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in the science and technology field.