Bacolod City chosen as site of PSHS Negros Island region campus

The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System has selected Bacolod City as the site of its first campus in the Negros Island Region (NIR), following a year-long evaluation of proposed locations across the region.

The proposed PSHS–Negros Island Region Campus (NIRC) will rise on a 9.23-hectare property in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, according to the DOST-PSHS System.

PSHS System Executive Director Ronnalee N. Orteza formally informed Bacolod City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya of the decision in a letter dated August 4, followed by a coordination meeting between PSHSS and city government officials on August 5.

The campus is expected to serve academically gifted students from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and nearby areas, expanding access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the region.

The selection follows the creation of the Negros Island Region in 2024. It also advances the PSHS System’s mandate under Republic Act No. 9036 to provide every region equal opportunity to benefit from the system and expand access to quality STEM education.

Why Bacolod?

The search for the NIRC site began in September 2025 and ran through July 2026.

A Site Selection and Evaluation Committee created by the PSHS System Board of Trustees assessed proposed locations using criteria covering:

• lot size and topography;
• accessibility;
• exposure to hazards;
• land acquisition arrangements;
• proximity to higher education and research institutions;
• availability of utilities and community services;
• development potential and natural resources;
• residential facilities; and
• local government support and the overall learning environment.

The committee conducted site inspections, consulted local governments and prospective donors, validated land ownership and donation commitments, and assessed technical information on potential geological and hydrometeorological hazards.

The findings were consolidated into an Initial Comparative Assessment Report, which served as the basis for the committee’s final evaluation.

The Bacolod property emerged as the preferred site because of its strategic location, favorable land configuration, sufficient area for campus development, accessibility, and long-term development potential, according to the PSHS System.

The Bacolod City government also committed to support the project by donating the property, building a dedicated access road, providing interim campus facilities, and helping facilitate the campus’ development.

Pioneer batch eyed for AY 2027–2028

Once established, the PSHS-NIRC will be the first PSHS campus in the Negros Island Region and, at 9.23 hectares, will be the largest campus in the PSHS System in terms of land area, according to the release.

The PSHS System is preparing for the admission of the campus’ pioneer batch for Academic Year 2027–2028, subject to the completion of the requirements.

The campus is also envisioned as a model for future PSHS campuses under Republic Act No. 12310, or the Expanded Philippine Science High School System Act.

The law provides for the progressive expansion of the PSHS System to at least two campuses in every region, subject to the availability of funds and compliance with the system’s standards for establishing campuses.

The DOST-PSHS System said the NIRC’s establishment is expected to further broaden opportunities for students in the newly created region to pursue premier STEM education. –NB, GMA News