Science high schools get additional subsidy

All Regional Science High Schools (RSHSs) across the country will each get an additional P1 million subsidy this year aside from the P2,000 per student augmentation for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

In a recent memorandum, Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus announced that the additional subsidy would total P29,444,000 for all the 17 regional science high school campuses.

The subsidy is on top of the regular funding received by the RSHSs.

“If we are to nurture a cadre of future scientists and leaders, we need to fully support our RSHSs which have an enriched Science, Mathematics and English curriculum,” Lapuz said.

The bulk of the augmented MOOE will go to the training and professional upgrading of teachers, principals and those directly managing the RSHSs.

It includes their attendance in seminars that may be sponsored by DepEd or other agencies. It will also defray expenses for students’ participation in science and mathematics-related activities.

About 15 percent of the subsidy is set aside to purchase instructional materials, professional books, and video materials and software in science, mathematics and English, including Internet subscription.

The move is part of the DepEd’s thrust for a more equitable distribution of resources among its highly specialized schools. The subsidy is on top of the regular funding received by RSHSs.

Science high schools are special high schools for the intellectually promising students with the objective of developing their analytical and critical thinking.

The RSHS faculty is composed of highly competent teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees. —  Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM