Sunday, May 04, 2008 Regional science high schools get funds
The country's 17 Regional Science High Schools (RSHSs) will get a much needed boost this year through a P1 million annual subsidy, and a variable allocation of P2,000 for every RSHS student to augment their Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
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 the schools.
The total additional subsidy for 2008 is P29,444,000 for the 17 RSHSs. The directive is contained in DepEd Order 23 issued in March 2008.
"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," said Education Secretary Jesli Lapus.
In the past, DepEd provides a P2 million additional subsidy to all RSHS regardless of number of enrollment.
"We need to empower our RSHS so they can stimulate and challenge our students to be more creative and primed to meet the challenges of the 21st century," Lapus added.
The bulk of the augmented MOOE (25 percent) will go to the training and professional upgrading of all teachers, principals, and OICs directly managing the RSHSs.
This 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.
The RSHS faculty is comprised of highly competent teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees.
The 20 percent of the allotment is for the procurement of Science and Mathematics equipment including the maintenance and repair of previously owned equipment and upgrading of computer and printers.
Ten percent of the amount has been earmarked for supplies and materials for Science, Mathematics, and English and maintenance and minor repair of science and computer laboratories.
The 15 percent is set aside to purchase instructional materials including textbooks/reference books for Science, Mathematics, English and other subject areas, professional books, video materials and software in Science, Mathematics and English including Internet subscription.
The rest of the funding will go to electric and water bills (12.5 percent), subsidy for student researches or projects (12.5 percent), and for extra essential services such as security services (5 percent).
For school year 2007-08, there are 6,222 students enrolled in 17 RSHSs in the country. Each region has at least one RSHS. RSHSs are previously the annex of public secondary schools or specialized science high schools.
Science high schools are special high schools for the intellectually promising students with the objective of developing their analytical and critical thinking.
