TO ENSURE the development of a strong workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has reiterated his proposal to establish public math and science high schools in every province nationwide.

Gatchalian attended the inauguration and blessing of the new Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School campus in Catbalogan City, Samar, on September 28, 2024. He contributed ₱79.5 million for the construction of campus buildings.

He also joined Samar Governor Sharee Tan in distributing 32 television sets at Samar National School, part of a total of 90 TV sets to be handed out.

“We are pushing for the establishment of public math and science high schools in all provinces, recognizing the crucial role of science and mathematics in driving innovation in our country. Equally important is ensuring that these schools are equipped with the necessary facilities and resources to deliver quality education,” said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

Under the 19th Congress, Gatchalian filed the Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act (Senate Bill No. 476), mandating provinces without a public math and science high school to establish one in their capital cities. This would be done in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd).

These schools would follow a six-year integrated junior-senior high school curriculum focused on advanced science, math, and technology, under the guidance of DepEd and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Graduates would be required to enroll in a four- or five-year Bachelor’s degree in Science at an accredited institution.