The idea of a science high school in the Philippines came from a Filipino mathematician, Dr. Leopoldo V. Torralballa, who was then a professor of mathematics at New York University. Patterned after the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, the envisioned science high school was created for the purpose of giving an education highly enriched in science and mathematics to exceptionally gifted Filipino children.

The vision was realized in 1963, and now, it has grown into eight campuses in different locations in the Philippines. The PSHS system is committed to the same ideals as those of the original campus, and its goal is to have one unified PSHS - in academic excellence, in leadership, and in spirit.

The Philippine Science High School System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Even before mission-visioning became all the rage, the Philippine Science High School started with Dr. Toralballa’s dream: quality science education for gifted young Filipinos. This dream turned into a mandate, and gradually came into being.

The PSHS started with great ambitions, but a small budget. Facilities were few and laboratories were improvised, but the search for excellence was clear to the staff.

National Scientist Dr. Gregorio Velasquez led the PSHS through its first three years of infancy, the fruits of which led to leadership, activism, resourcefulness, firm friendships, and the forging of character in a rented “matchbox” building by the Quezon Memorial Circle. But science needs space, and creativity, room for growth. Students exercised their political will and went to Malacañang in 1966 to ask for land for the PSHS.

“… the scenery was superb: a great blue yonder … It was nature at its best, … That is, if it was not raining. Because when it rained…one did not have to leave his umbrella at the guard post because he could use it in the classroom. But that was how true grit was formed. We knew we hadn’t much but we made full use of it.” - Manolo Condes Class ‘70

In 1970, the PSHS started building on a 7.5-hectare lot in Diliman. Many students spent their high school years in the pre-fab buildings: majoring in basketball, minoring in guitar, and regularly winning science /journalism/math etc. contests. Classes '73 to '76, the first “martial law babies” moved into the brand new buildings in 1972.

Gradually, the campus took shape. The laboratories in the Sciences and Humanities Building were (and still are) the envy of other schools. The residence halls and canteen serviced the students. The Administration building was also completed, and the Gym rose beyond the soccer field. Clubs sprouted and the front lobby became a venue for impromptu concerts and meetings - a place to see and be seen.

Parents were also actively involved in supporting the PSHS, and they put up the PSHS Foundation in 1978 “to maintain a private institutional medium to assist the school in its mission of preparing highly gifted students for careers in science and technology”. Thus, the dedicated faculty and staff, headed by Dr. Cleofe M. Bacuñgan, watched the students and the school campus grow and flourish.

One can reap where others have sown. The Directorship passed from Dr. Bacuñgan, to Dr. Adoracion D. Ambrosio, to Dr. Vicenta F. Reyes. Traditions of excellence were passed from Batch to Batch: CAT; school newspapers: The Science Scholar, Ang Lagablab, Dalumat; the Student Alliance; self-governance in Batch Councils and through the Clubs; the Varsity teams and more. We took our directors’ advice to heart: “A first-rate education is something that is actively obtained rather than passively received.”

The average PSHS scholar plowed through academic challenges, but honed their other skills and interests through extra-curricular activities. They were still known for their participation in national and international events, such as the Science Fairs and Olympiads, but to a jury of their peers, the “heroes” were those who could combine academics with band practice and/or community service.

Graduates had started making names for themselves, garnering honors and scholarships in the Philippines and overseas. The faculty already included several PSHS alumni, keen to pass on what they themselves had received.

And finally, the PSHS was ready to grow even more: the end of this decade saw the start-up of the regional campuses.

In 1998, the four existing PSHS campuses were integrated into one system of governance and management.

Thus, the PSHS continues fulfilling its mandate “to offer, on a free scholarship basis, a secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the end view of preparing its students for a science career”. This critical mass of Science and Technology workers can be achieved through the PSHS System.

As of its 40th year, the PSHS System has the Main Campus in Diliman and seven regional campuses. Graduates have gone on to S&T or other professions. Some graduates have chosen to serve their country and their school directly by teaching or working at PSHS. The current Executive Director, Dr. Ramon R. Miranda, is from PSHS Class ’73.

Of those who have finished schooling roughly seventy percent (70%) are in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The rest are in the humanities, journalism, law, business administration, accountancy, public administration, the military and religious ministry.

And though the decades change and fashions come and go, some things remain. Good friends - loyal friends, intellectual habits to last a lifetime, and gratitude to the institution, and to the many people who have made this education possible.