Batangas Province Science High School
The Batangas Province Science High School is a public residential science high school system in Dacanlao, Calaca, Batangas, Philippines that focuses on the intensive study of science, mathematics and technology. It is a DepEd-recognized science high school that was founded by Batangas Provincial Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas. It opened its doors to aspiring students in June 1998; in that same year, the school's first English student publication, The Quillmaker, was published.
The BPSHS System offers scholarships to Batangueño students who are gifted in the sciences and mathematics. Though BPSHS is a public school, enrollment is limited, and applicants undergo a highly competitive review process before admission.
History
The Batangas Province Science High School was the brainchild of the former Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas. Coinciding with the desire of the governor was Supt. Oscar S. Manalo's desire to open up the subject school for the best and brightest elementary graduates from the province who are inclined to the sciences.In 1995, NPC's Batangas Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant was seeking new ways of restoring its relationship with the community in line with the corporation's revitalized Social Responsibility Enhancement Program. Studies revealed that the resident's negative perception for the power plant is mainly due to their lack of knowledge concerning its operation. Among the strategies contemplated to counter this was the promotion of science and technology among high school students. The NPC established the Calaca Science Centrum, including a laboratory, library, the computers, science gallery and the multi-purpose auditorium.
The Provincial Government and the Department of Education, Culture and Sports established of the Batangas Province Science in 1997. Pending the completion of the school building, the Calaca Science Centrum temporarily hosted the BPSHS for nearly three years and Dacanlao National High School served as the student dormitory. Cristina A. Perez, principal of Dacanlao Gregorio Agoncillo National High School was appointed officer-in-charge of the science school in the first years of its operation while Ermelinda M. Matienzo, division science supervisor, was tasked to supervise and monitor the school. The present site was selected mainly because of its proximity to Calaca Science Centrum.
The Dacanlao Barangay council approved the request of the governor and superintendent to use the 1,561 sq.m. lot, served as gratuitous conveyance to the school.
Seventeen students pioneered the school during the opening in school year 1998–1999. It was July 2001 when Supt. Portia Gesilva issued a Division Memorandum to Ermelinda M. Matienzo, Education Supervisor I – Secondary Science, Minda S. Castillo, Education Supervisor I – Elementary Science, Alfredo S. Magpile, District Supervisor – Calaca, and Sally Malabanan, the school officer-in-charge for their joint efforts to prepare documents for government recognition and accreditation of the school. The full accreditation was granted on April 2, 2002, when DepEd Secretary Raul S. Roco signed the request for science high school establishment. Dr. Librada C. Landicho, teacher-in-charge, made the series of follow-ups to the DepEd Central Office until the school was recognized and accredited.
In 2018, the Batangas School Board allocated funds to build additional facilities. In 2019, the school developed a master plan for mission, vision, philosophy, and goals.
Other schools heads who assumed office were Pedro A. Adarlo, Elma V. Manalo, Miguel B. Ularte, Simeona Rechie C. Ojales, Clarissa B. Peniz, and Dr. Carmi D. Mendoza.
Presently, the total enrollment is 140 and the teaching force is composed of eleven teachers, six of them are in the national item roll while five are borrowed from nearby schools. Batangas Province Science High School is under a fiscal autonomy program. There is one head teacher, one guidance counselor, three clerks, one utility worker, and one dormitory attendant.
Funding
Since its inception, BPSHS has been fully funded by the government, meaning no student is required to pay any tuition, room, board, or other student fees. This funding is supplemented by the Government of Batangas' Provincial School Board funding, which supports BPSHS' academic, residential, and outreach programs as well as providing funds for capital improvements.Performance
The performance of the school shows that from SY 1998–2018, it was always the top school in the division level contests/competitions, belonged to the top five schools in the regional level contests/competitions, and was one of the top schools in the national level.From SY 2007–2010, the school was always the top school in the Division and Regional Achievement Test results and belongs to the top 20 schools in the national level. Furthermore, in SY 2010–2011, BPSHS ranked 1st in the National Achievement Test - Mathematics Competencies. BPSHS was commended last 2010 as one of the top performing schools in the Philippines. Mr. Michael Ularte, former school head, received the award in Bohol.
BPSHS is noted for its prominence when it comes to science quiz bees, Metrobank - MTAP DepEd Challenge, Press Conferences and the like. Last SY 2010–2011, the seniors of BPSHS grabbed the second place in the Regional Level for the Metrobank - MTAP DepEd Challenge. In relation with this, a junior represented the Division of Batangas in the same competition. The school had four Division Champions and another 1 Regional Qualifier for the same school year's inter-school press conference. There were two division champions for the Science Quiz Bee in SY 2009–2010. The aforementioned Division Science Quiz Bee champions copped the 3rd and 4th place in the Regional Level, as well.
In SY 2014–2015, the school sent participants to the Regional Schools Press Conference and won 3rd place in Collaborative Publishing English.
In S.Y. 2022-2023, the Grade 10 students of the school achieved top 1 in that year's G10 National Achievement Test with an average score of 81.87.