“This will be a smart campus,” so said Science Secretary Mario Montejo on his plans for the Philippine Science High School - Soccsksargen campus during its groundbreaking ceremony at  Brgy. Paraiso, Koronadal City on June 22, 2012. The campus is latest PSHS campus to be constructed.

“We’ll make this new campus really unique, not only in curriculum but also in physical structure and design of the buildings and architecture. This campus will stand out,” he added.

The PSHS system, also endearingly called “Pisay,” is under the administration of the Department of Science and Technology. Pisay campuses prepare students for science careers, thus designing their curriculum with science and mathematics in focus but balanced with humanities and the arts.

The newest PSHS will rise on a five-hectare land worth P7.3 million donated by the South Cotabato province.  The campus will comprise academic buildings, research and laboratory facilities, dormitory, and other facilities to complete the learning experience of students.

“Hindi po kayo manghihinayang sa budget na ibibigay nyo,” Dr.  Josette Biyo, executive director of the PSHS system, said. “We promise to give your kids the best education.”

Earlier, Sec. Montejo reported that PSHS students from the Western Visayas campus bagged the grand champion title in the ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey held June 10-17, 2012 in Brunei Darusallam.  Meanwhile, while another set of PSHS students from the PSHS-Central Luzon (Clark) students won four silver and one bronze medals in the same tilt, bringing a total of 12 medals for the Philippine team.

“This just proves that PSHS students are world class,” said Sec. Montejo.

Philippine Science High School- Soccsksargen groundbreaking. Science Sec. Mario Montejo, DOST-12 Director Zenaida Laidan, Gov. Arthur Pingoy, PSHS System Executive Director Josette Biyo, and Koronadal Mayor Peter Miguel show their unified support to the establishment of the PSHS- Soccsksargen by laying the capsule and sealing the landmark for the future site of the so-called “smart campus” in Mindanao. (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service)

The new campus  received full support from various leaders  to jumpstart its construction in time for next school year. Gov. Arthur  Pingoy Jr allocated P5 million to fund the initial construction of the campus’s facilities, while YACAP Partylist Carol Jayne Lopez  donated P5 million which Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) she handed to Gov. Pingoy during the turn-over ceremony.

In addition, Lopez also allocated an additional P1 million as a counterpart to Gov. Pingoy’s additional P1 million budget for constructing the road going to the campus.

Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel allocated P5 million while, Agham partylist Rep. Angelo Palmones, who pledged P2 million also committed  an additional 1 million for road construction from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Pingoy revealed that the provincial government has already prepared the campus’ initial program of work, to be approved by Sec. Montejo and Dr. Biyo.  Pingoy hopes that the campus will be ready by 2013.

Meanwhile, the campus is now accepting  applications for school year 2013-2014 up to July 6. DOST-12 Director Zenaida Laidan invites students  who are in the top 10 percent of the graduating class and those with special aptitude in  science and mathematics to take the PSHS National Competitive Examination on Sept. 29, 2012. (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service)

The Department of Science and Technology invites all Filipino researchers, scientists from local universities and research institutions to submit research proposals for 3-year funding under the Joint Research Program (JRP) for Fiscal Year 2013 of the Department of Science and Technology – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Joint Scientific Cooperation Program.

Filipino researchers will be required to establish or have existing collaborations with Japanese Researchers in their proposals to be evaluated based on the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program guidelines and priority areas viz. health, nutrition and environment; climate change; emerging technologies viz. biotechnology, nanotechnology, genomics, advanced food production technology, and advanced manufacturing technology. Proposals from Japanese researchers will be evaluated by the JSPS based on a separate set of priorities and guidelines. The DOST and the JSPS will select one joint project for 2013.

The Joint Research Program is a bilateral exchange program jointly conducted by Filipino and Japanese researchers in accordance with their mutual agreement on international scientific collaboration signed in 23 March 2004. It is open to Filipino and Japanese researchers in universities or research institutions based on the principle of equal partnership. It aims to cope with highly productive research on all scientific fields.

Proposals must be addressed to ENGR. MA. LOURDES P. ORIJOLA, Assistant Secretary and Program Director, DOST-JSPS, Rm 206 DOST-Central Office, Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 and submitted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it not later than July 30, 2012. Inquiries can be made thru telephone numbers (02) 837-2940 or 837-2071 local 2030. Application forms are available for download below. (DOST-JSPS Secretariat)

Call For Research Proposals |     JRP Form |     DOST-GIA Form