THE SIGNING of the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Act is expected to play a central role in strengthening the country’s science and technology workforce, as the Marcos administration advances a series of landmark laws aimed at boosting innovation and disaster resilience.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the Expanded PSHS Act will accelerate human resource development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by widening access to quality science education across the country.

“It aims to increase access to quality science education by adding campuses nationwide, with a goal of two campuses per region to prepare the youth for future challenges,” Solidum said.

Under the new law, the PSHS System will be composed of existing science high school campuses and future campuses to be established in line with the expansion mandate.

The measure seeks to address regional disparities in science education and nurture more Filipino students with strong foundations in research, innovation, and advanced technology.

The Expanded PSHS Act is one of four science- and technology-related measures signed into law this year by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signaling the administration’s commitment to long-term investments in knowledge, innovation, and public safety.

Alongside the PSHS expansion, the President also enacted the Phivolcs Modernization Law, which provides P7 billion over five years to upgrade the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Another major measure is the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act, signed in September, which establishes a dedicated institution for virus research, vaccine development, and diagnostics.

Also signed into law is the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Act, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which creates the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Solidum said these laws complement each other by strengthening both infrastructure and human capital.

He reported that the DOST supported 10,811 STEM scholars in the first semester of 2025, underscoring the government’s parallel investment in education and talent development.

“With the Expanded PSHS Act and other science laws, we are laying down a stronger foundation for innovation, safety, and national development,” Solidum said.