“We are aiming for 1,000 PSHS applicants… apply and we will assist” - DOST-Kalinga PD Donaal urges parents to support their children

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Kalinga is targeting at least 1,000 Grade 6 pupils to take the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) National Competitive Examination (NCE), more than tripling the 308 applicants recorded last year.

The application period is ongoing until November 7, 2026, while the entrance examination is scheduled for January 2027.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on October 14, DOST-Kalinga Provincial Director Jasmin Donaal urged parents, teachers, and learners to take advantage of the opportunity to pursue specialized science education through PSHS.

“We are aiming for 1,000 PSHS applicants… This will be more opportunities for our learners… apply and we will assist,” said Donaal, adding that increasing the number of applicants would demonstrate the strong interest of Kalinga learners in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Donaal encouraged parents to support their children’s applications even if they have yet to decide on their future careers, emphasizing that applying to PSHS could open doors to further educational opportunities.

Qualified students may receive free tuition and textbooks, monthly stipends, and uniforms. Eligible students from low-income families may also receive transportation and living allowances. Dormitory accommodation is available, subject to availability and qualification requirements.

Applicants must meet PSHS eligibility requirements, including the prescribed academic qualifications, Filipino citizenship, age limit, satisfactory character rating, and submission of the required documents.

DOST-Kalinga can assist interested applicants in creating their online application accounts. Applicants may also check the office’s official Facebook page for updates or visit the PSHS application website at https://nce.pshs.edu.ph/.

Kalinga’s bid for second PSHS campus remains pending

Meanwhile, Kalinga’s bid to host the second PSHS campus in the Cordillera remains pending, with no province in the region selected to host the proposed facility.

Donaal said Governor James S. Edduba had written to the DOST secretary to express the province’s interest, followed by a virtual meeting with stakeholders.

She explained that the establishment of new campuses follows a schedule because the 16 regions cannot all be accommodated simultaneously. A province seeking to host a campus must also provide land for its buildings and facilities.

The Cordillera currently has a PSHS campus in Baguio City. The host province for the proposed additional campus has yet to be selected.

DOST-Kalinga is encouraging more Grade 6 pupils to apply for the NCE as the province seeks to expand access to specialized science education and strengthen its bid to host another PSHS campus in the region.