DAVAO CITY—The Bangsamoro government plans to establish a science high school in the autonomous region in an effort to elevate the quality of science education in the Bangsamoro region and provide students with a comprehensive science-focused learning environment.
Parliament member Suharto Esmael, chair of the Committee on Science and Technology, has started the public consultation on June 1, in Manila, to discuss the proposed Bill No. 37 which seeks the establishment of a Bangsamoro Science High School (BSHS).
Esmael explained that students from his region need to go to other regions to pursue science and technology studies since the region has yet to establish its own school for science and technology.
By establishing a science school in the Bangsamoro region, the Government would address this concern by “establishing a science high school and by providing quality science and technology education.”
During the consultation, experts from the Philippine Science High School and the Department of Science and Technology-Central Office were invited to share their insights about the proposal.
The consultation highlighted the development of a comprehensive curriculum, the design and construction of the school building, the provision of well-equipped laboratories, the selection of a suitable location, the recruitment and training of competent directors and teachers, financial assistance for students, and collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).
In the same breath Minister Engr. Aida Silongan assured everyone that all insights and suggestions provided during the hearing would be taken into consideration to expedite the establishment of BSHS and promote an inclusive science education system in the Bangsamoro region.
“The BSHS would be at parity with other science high schools to ensure competitive and quality education. On the other hand, MOST’s objective of producing Science and Technology human resources will heighten, and this future workforce will contribute positively to the region’s economic growth,” Silongan added.
The hearing received strong support from the invited experts, including Dr. Lawrence Madriaga, Director of PSHS-Main Campus, Rowena Cristina Guevara, Ph.D., former Undersecretary of DOST, and Chuchi Garganera, Regional Director of PSHS-Zamboanga Peninsula, along with other officials. with report from Majid Nur/BIO
