Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the signing of Republic Act 12310, the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act, which aims to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the country.
Go, who co-authored the measure, stressed that the law’s passage is a crucial step in ensuring that young Filipinos, particularly those in far-flung communities, gain access to quality STEM education.
The law, signed on 3 October, mandates the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, provided they are not located in the same province or city. The expansion includes new campuses in the First District of Aklan, Polangui in Albay, Ubay, Bohol, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, and General Santos City, among other key locations.
As chair of the Senate Youth Committee, Go stressed that the measure addresses longstanding gaps in advanced learning opportunities previously concentrated in urban centers.
“If we want the country to progress, we need to focus on education, especially in science and technology,” Go said in a statement. “Every student should have equal opportunity, no matter where they live.”
The new law unifies the governance of all PSHS campuses under a central Board of Trustees. This board will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Education, ensuring standardized operations and curriculum quality across all regions.
In related legislative efforts, Go’s proposal to mandate financial literacy as a core subject for high school students received support from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
SEC chairperson Francis Lim commended the senator’s measure — Senate Bill No. 672 — during a Senate budget hearing, calling financial literacy the “best tool for financial protection.”
Go, who has previously called the SEC’s attention to the rise of investment scams and illegal online lending platforms, stressed the importance of educating the youth on financial discipline.
“There are so many investment scams now. I myself have been victimized. They use our names,” Go explained, noting that scammers often employ artificial intelligence and deepfakes. “Let us always examine and know the truth. Report any fraud you discover to the authorities.”
