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About PSHS-CAR Campus

ABOUT PSHS-CARC

Philippine Science High School Cordillera Administrative Region Campus (PSHS-CARC) is one of the two newest campuses of the Philippine Science High School System It was established through the congressional efforts of Baguio City Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan.

It formally opened classes on June 22, 2009 with 66 students from Baguio City, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, and Dagupan City.

Mission

Advancing premier high school STEM education for the people.

Vision

We are the leading science high school in the Asia Pacific Region preparing our scholars to become globally competitive Filipino scientists equipped with 21st century skills and imbued with the core values of lntegrity, Excellence and Service to Nation.

Philosophy

The main purpose of the PSHS education is the integral development of its scholars.

Each PSHS scholar has unique giftedness and potentials which should be recognized and nurtured so that each one develops them to the fullest extent possible.

The PSHS special science curriculum engenders in our scholars a passion for learning and inspires them to choose careers in science and technology and so contribute to national development.

The PSHS is most effective in an environment characterized by all-around performance excellence, a dynamic and collaborative leadership, outstanding facilities, resources and support alliances, and an unswerving commitment of service to the nation and to one another.

History

The idea of a science high school in the Philippines came from a Filipino mathematician, Dr. Leopoldo V. Torralballa, who was then a professor of mathematics at New York University. Patterned after the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, the envisioned science high school was created for the purpose of giving an education highly enriched in science and mathematics to exceptionally gifted Filipino children.

The vision was realized in 1963, and now, it has grown into eight campuses in different locations in the Philippines. The PSHS system is committed to the same ideals as those of the original campus, and its goal is to have one unified PSHS - in academic excellence, in leadership, and in spirit.

The Philippine Science High School System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The First Decade: 1964 - 1973 -- Hard Work

Even before mission-visioning became all the rage, the Philippine Science High School started with Dr. Toralballa's dream: quality science education for gifted young Filipinos. This dream turned into a mandate, and gradually came into being.

The PSHS started with great ambitions, but a small budget. Facilities were few and laboratories were improvised, but the search for excellence was clear to the staff.

National Scientist Dr. Gregorio Velasquez led the PSHS through its first three years of infancy, the fruits of which led to leadership, activism, resourcefulness, firm friendships, and the forging of character in a rented "matchbox" building by the Quezon Memorial Circle. But science needs space, and creativity, room for growth. Students exercised their political will and went to Malacanang in 1966 to ask for land for the PSHS.

"... the scenery was superb: a great blue yonder ... It was nature at its best, ... That is, if it was not raining. Because when it rained...one did not have to leave his umbrella at the guard post because he could use it in the classroom. But that was how true grit was formed. We knew we hadn't much but we made full use of it." - Manolo Condes Class '70

The Second Decade: 1974 - 1983 -- Bears Fruit

In 1970, the PSHS started building on a 7.5-hectare lot in Diliman. Many students spent their high school years in the pre-fab buildings: majoring in basketball, minoring in guitar, and regularly winning science /journalism/math etc. contests. Classes '73 to '76, the first "martial law babies" moved into the brand new buildings in 1972.

Gradually, the campus took shape. The laboratories in the Sciences and Humanities Building were (and still are) the envy of other schools. The residence halls and canteen serviced the students. The Administration building was also completed, and the Gym rose beyond the soccer field. Clubs sprouted and the front lobby became a venue for impromptu concerts and meetings - a place to see and be seen.

Parents were also actively involved in supporting the PSHS, and they put up the PSHS Foundation in 1978 "to maintain a private institutional medium to assist the school in its mission of preparing highly gifted students for careers in science and technology". Thus, the dedicated faculty and staff, headed by Dr. Cleofe M. Bacuñgan, watched the students and the school campus grow and flourish.

The Third Decade: 1984 - 1993 -- Competence and Excellence

One can reap where others have sown. The Directorship passed from Dr. Bacuñgan, to Dr. Adoracion D. Ambrosio, to Dr. Vicenta F. Reyes. Traditions of excellence were passed from Batch to Batch: CAT; school newspapers: The Science Scholar, Ang Lagablab, Dalumat; the Student Alliance; self-governance in Batch Councils and through the Clubs; the Varsity teams and more. We took our directors' advice to heart: "A first-rate education is something that is actively obtained rather than passively received."

The average PSHS scholar plowed through academic challenges, but honed their other skills and interests through extra-curricular activities. They were still known for their participation in national and international events, such as the Science Fairs and Olympiads, but to a jury of their peers, the "heroes" were those who could combine academics with band practice and/or community service.

Graduates had started making names for themselves, garnering honors and scholarships in the Philippines and overseas. The faculty already included several PSHS alumni, keen to pass on what they themselves had received.

And finally, the PSHS was ready to grow even more: the end of this decade saw the start-up of the regional campuses.

The Fourth Decade: 1994 - 2004 -- Commitment and Service

In 1998, the four existing PSHS campuses were integrated into one system of governance and management.

Thus, the PSHS continues fulfilling its mandate "to offer, on a free scholarship basis, a secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end view of preparing its students for a science career". This critical mass of Science and Technology workers can be achieved through the PSHS System.

As of its 40th year, the PSHS System has the Main Campus in Diliman and seven regional campuses. Graduates have gone on to S&T or other professions. Some graduates have chosen to serve their country and their school directly by teaching or working at PSHS. The current Executive Director, Dr. Ramon R. Miranda, is from PSHS Class '73.

40th Anniversary: PSHS People -- Click image for bigger picture Of those who have finished schooling roughly seventy percent (70%) are in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The rest are in the humanities, journalism, law, business administration, accountancy, public administration, the military and religious ministry.

And though the decades change and fashions come and go, some things remain. Good friends - loyal friends, intellectual habits to last a lifetime, and gratitude to the institution, and to the many people who have made this education possible.

Organization

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the highest policy making body of the PSHS System. The Board of Trustees is composed of the secretary of the DOST as ex-officio Chairman, the secretary of DepEd as ex-officio Vice Chairman, and the following members: The President of the U.P., the Executive Director of PSHS, the Director of the Science Education Institute (SEI) and the President from the PSHS National Alumni Association as ex-officio members; and one (1) representative each from the private sector representing higher education, education for the gifted, industry, agriculture, and new and emerging technologies. The private sector representatives are appointed by the Chairman subject to the confirmation of the Board of Trustees.

The Board exercises the following powers:

  • Formulate policies and guidelines for the administration and operation of the PSHS System;
  • Establish a PSHS campus in each of the administrative regions;
  • Approve appointment, promotion, retention, renewal, rewards and incentives for faculty and staff, fix their compensation and other conditions of employment, and remove them for cause after proper investigation and hearing;
  • Approve the curricula submitted by the Executive Director;
  • Approve the criteria for the selection and admission of students;
  • Approve the grant of scholarship, stipend and such allowances for students;
  • Approve the graduation of successful candidates from the various PSHS campuses;
  • Formulate policies and rules of discipline for students, faculty and staff;
  • Approve the PSHS System budget, receive and appropriate to the ends specified by law such sums as may be provided by law for the support of the System;
  • Receive grants whether cash, land, buildings and improvements thereof; donations, contributions, bequests, gifts, and to formulate policies for the administration thereof;
  • Approve the use of all income generated by the school in the pursuit of its functions and donations received in trust by individual campuses, according to the purpose of the donor and intention of the donation. In cases where income/donation received is not intended for a particular campus, the Board shall likewise appropriate the same for the benefit of the System or any part thereof;
  • Develop policies for the expansion of enrollment in the campuses under the PSHS System;
  • Establish policies and formulate guidelines/criteria, requirements necessary to rationalize the establishment and operation of science high schools under the System in order to maintain the quality and uniform standard inherent of a bona fide PSHS; and
  • Prepare strategic plans to enhance the capability of the System in developing human resources with focus on youth with special talents in science and mathematics.

The Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) is appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, subject to the approval of the Board and is conferred the rank equivalent to a bureau director with a fixed term of six (6) years, renewable for another term. The ED exercises administrative supervision over all campus directors and is the primary implementor of policies and guidelines set by the Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the ED articulates to the Board the mutual concern of all the campuses.

The ED performs the following roles and functions:

  • Coordinate curriculum planning activities for the PSHS System;
  • Oversee research projects on the gifted in science and math;
  • Coordinate publication of research outputs of the teachers, administrators and students from the PSHS System;
  • Provide legal and technical support to the members of the System;
  • Coordinate exchange programs with other educational institutions both local and foreign;
  • Develop and coordinate linkages and networking among the campuses of the PSHS System wit (Dh other institutions;
  • Coordinate the implementation of the program for the identification and selection of scholars for the PSHS System;
  • Provide for the secretariat services of the Board of Trustees;
  • Perform other functions as may be deemed necessary.

For the efficient and effective implementation of the foregoing functions, the Executive Director shall be provided with a staff.

The Deputy Executive Director

The Deputy Executive Director (DED) is appointed by the Board for a term of six (6) years, renewable for another term. The DED performs the duties and functions assigned by the Executive Director."

The Executive Committee

The Executive Committee, composed of the directors of the different PSHS campuses and chaired by the Executive Director, is a collegial body that recommends policies and guidelines for the consideration of the Board.

The Campus Director

Each PSHS campus is headed by a Campus Director (CD) who is appointed by the Board, upon recommendation of the Executive Director on the basis of a search process. He/she has a fixed term of six (6) years, renewable for another term at the option of the Board.

The CD is the administrative and academic head of his/her campus and will be responsible for its smooth operations. The CD may constitute a consultative body which may act as a citizen's arm to interpret the educational needs of the service area of the campus.

PSHS-CARC is headed by Dr. Conrado C. Rotor, Jr.

The PSHS Hymn

Original English Version

BY MARIO TAQUIWALO

Philippine Science High Thou stands above with thy thoughts that lift And fit all thy sons with wings To lend us flight in the sowing of our gifts

Oh, Philippine Science High, Thy wisdom arms our youth As we reach for our dreams, as we strive for our goals As we seach for the untarnished truth

Philippine Science High, The PSHS in us will grow And go as we wander o'er The crests and troughs of the sea of life that flows

Oh Philippine Science High Thy light our beacon be In our path through the world, in our fight for the right In pursuit of a glorious thee

Tagalog Version

Philippine Science High Patuloy mong itinataas Kaming 'yong mga anak Sa paglinang n gaming kakayahan

O, Philippine Science High Dunong mo'y patnubay Sa mga pangarap,sa aming hinahangad Na katotohanang lantay

Philippine Science High Sa aming puso'y lumalago At sa'n man magtungo Magpapatuloy sa dagat ng buhay

O, Philippine Science High Liwanag mo'y tanglaw Sa amin ay gabay, Sa landas ng buhay Sa dakilang minimithi