CAPAS, Tarlac—Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan has welcomed the proposed Science High School campus project to be constructed at a 4.6-hectare lot of the New Clark City complex here by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, following the approval of master plan by the Board of Directors last August.
“This is a welcome development not only for students in Capas but also from surrounding towns of NCC,” said Catacutan, adding that quality and standard education would be within reach by our constituents.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon said building the new PSHS campus in New Clark City would contribute to the development and training of teachers and future science and technology professionals in the country.
“We hope that with the new PSHS campus, we will be able to give more opportunities for quality education to deserving Filipino students especially in Central and Northern Luzon. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the valuable contribution of science and technology in our society. We will also be able to build our pool of researchers and professionals who would help us prevent other pandemics in the future,” Dizon said.
He added: “It is also crucial, now more than ever, to invest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to stop climate change and provide scientific and technological solutions to issues plaguing our society.”
Hizon said the “Pisay” school campus project would serve senior high school students and a resource center for teachers and professionals.
Dubbed as the “Infinitum”, the new site of the country’s premier science high school is envisioned to become the “center for learning and service continuity for the entire PSHS System.
The PSHS System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It prepares students for careers in Science and Technology and contributes to nation-building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in the science and technology field.
On April 16, 2016, the BCDA and PSHS signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a campus for senior high school students, as well as a learning resource center for teachers, administrative support, and other professionals within New Clark City.
The new campus will supplement PSHS’ modernization efforts by establishing state-of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories, academic spaces, training venues and living quarters. It seeks not only to spur immersive learning for students, but also to continue the development of teaching and non-teaching employees.
It will also accommodate the increasing student and employee population in PSHS’ existing campus at the Clark Freeport Zone.
Under the approved master plan, 80 percent of the total campus area will be open space while only 20 percent will be occupied.
The new campus will have facilities for traditional and alternative learning, as well as indoor and outdoor set-ups showcasing the latest technological innovations. The campus will feature a training center, technology hub, research center, innovation center, multipurpose academic building, administration building, a summer camp area, and dormitories, which will be constructed in phases.
The procurement for the detailed architectural and engineering design for the Training Center is ongoing. It is targeted to be completed by 2022.
