• NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has allotted an initial P310-million for the establishment of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)-Negros Island Region Campus (NIRC) here beginning school year 2027-2028.
Poised to become a “model campus”, the NIRC, which will rise in the city government-owned in Barangay Granada, will become the largest “Pisay” campus in terms of land area.
In a press conference on Saturday, DOST-PSHS System Deputy Executive Director Shena Faith Ganela said the 2026 allocation will fund the civil works, including the construction of the first three buildings starting early next year.
“We are already in the process of getting the consultant s output before bidding out for the civil works,” she added.
Ganela led the announcement for the PSHS 2027 National Competitive Examination (NCE) set on Jan. 30, with the PSHS-NIRC welcoming 120 pioneer batch of Grade 7 scholars starting school year 2027-2028.
In a press statement, the DOST-PSHS System said the upcoming opening of PSHS-NIRC expands access to specialized science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for academically gifted learners in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and nearby areas.
Such STEM-oriented education is intended to develop future scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators, and professionals who can use their knowledge and abilities in service of the country, it added.
On Saturday, the DOST-PSHS System, through its Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City, also conducted “Tulong-Dunong,” an examination review and application assistance activity at the Bacolod City College Activity Center-Taculing Campus.
Through the activity, aspiring PSHS scholars were provided an opportunity to familiarize themselves with sample NCE questions and receive guidance on the examination and application process. | NLG
