THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has flagged major systemic issues affecting the development and expansion of science high schools in the country, citing gaps in oversight, funding, and management under the Department of Education.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee outlined three urgent structural reforms needed to strengthen science-focused programs in public schools.

Among the concerns raised was the lack of quality assurance and a unified vision for science curricula under DepEd. Yee said Regional Science High Schools and Special Science Programs offer enhanced courses in science, mathematics, and English but are often implemented in isolation.

Because of this fragmented approach, science-focused programs at the elementary level do not seamlessly transition to Special Science High Schools and later to higher education.

Yee also noted that unlike the Philippine Science High School System, which follows a structured approach to developing STEM skills, DepEd uses a spiral progression curriculum that does not smoothly bridge learning between junior and senior high school.

Funding constraints were also highlighted as a key concern. EDCOM 2 said science high school programs operate with limited resources because their budgets are embedded in schools’ regular maintenance and operating expenses.

Although the DepEd central office provides additional program support funds averaging ₱398.79 per learner for School Year 2024–2025, Yee said the basis for the allocations remains unclear and has not significantly improved resource distribution.

The commission also raised concerns over the mandated reassignment of school principals every five years under DepEd Order No. 7, s. 1999, saying frequent leadership changes disrupt long-term innovations and do not guarantee that principals assigned to science high schools have a background in science.

Roman Romulo, chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture and EDCOM 2 co-chair, echoed the concerns, noting that many qualified students are turned away due to limited capacity.

Romulo said shortages in specialized teachers, classrooms, and laboratories prevent science high schools from expanding to accommodate more learners.

The lawmaker added that building new facilities alone will not solve the problem if there are not enough qualified teachers to staff them.