SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 12310, or the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act, saying the new law will make world-class science education more accessible to Filipino students nationwide.

“The Philippine Science High School is one of our most prestigious institutions, producing world-class students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But for years, the limited number of campuses meant that many deserving students were left out, even after passing the admission exams,” Zubiri said.

As the author and sponsor of the measure, Zubiri highlighted that the law’s key provision mandates the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, ensuring that these campuses are located in different provinces—or in different cities in the case of the National Capital Region.

“This means that even students in far-flung areas will have a fair chance to study in a Pisay campus near them,” he explained.

Zubiri also noted that the newly created Negros Island Region will now have its own PSHS campus, allowing students there to access high-quality STEM education without having to move far from home.

“We have brilliant young minds scattered across the country. It would be such a waste if we cannot give them the opportunity to study in Pisay. Every Filipino student with the talent and passion for science deserves this chance,” the Bukidnon senator declared.

He added that the new law also strengthens the PSHS institution by formalizing the roles of the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and other key officials, while granting faculty members exemptions from civil service eligibility requirements to make recruitment of specialized educators easier.

“The PSHS is a very specialized institution, and we need specialized educators for it. We are not just hiring STEM teachers—we are looking for scientists, mathematicians, and innovators who can inspire and mentor our future scientists,” Zubiri said.

He further emphasized that the ultimate goal of the law is equal opportunity for all.

“Ang hangarin talaga natin dito ay pantay-pantay na oportunidad. Access to this kind of education should not be limited to Metro Manila or urban areas. Mindanao, Visayas, and the islands deserve their own Pisay campuses, too,” he stressed.

Zubiri thanked the President for signing the measure into law, calling it “a victory for science education” and for every young Filipino who dreams of building a better future through knowledge and innovation.

“I thank the President for signing the Expanded PSHS System Act into law. This is a victory for STEM education in the country,” he said.