SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday emphasized that qualified students will no longer be denied access to quality education following the signing of the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act.

The new law ensures the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, expanding access to premier science and mathematics education nationwide.

Previously, 5,807 qualified students were unable to enroll due to limited slots, according to the Year Two Report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

Co-authored and co-sponsored by Gatchalian, the law places these campuses under the administrative supervision of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and mandates that campuses within the same region must not be located in the same province or city.

“Ngayong makakapagpatayo na tayo ng mas maraming Philippine Science High School campuses, maaabot na natin ang mas maraming mag-aaral na nangangarap makatanggap ng kalidad na edukasyon sa science, technology, engineering, at math o STEM,” said Gatchalian, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“Mahalagang hakbang ito upang hubugin ang susunod na henerasyon ng mga STEM professionals na magsusulong ng inobasyon sa ating bansa,” he added.