REGIONAL science high schools (RSHSs) will get an additional P1-million subsidy and an allocation of P2,000 per student to augment their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), the Department of Education (DepEd) announced.

Thus, science high schools with more students will get more subsidy, unlike before where the subsidy was fixed at P2 million for each school.

The move is part of the DepEd’s thrust for a more equitable distribution of resources among highly specialized schools, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said.

The subsidy is on top of the regular funding received by RSHSs.

The total additional subsidy for 2008 is P29,444,000 for the 17 RSHSs.

“If we are to nurture a cadre of future scientists and leaders, we need to fully support the RSHSs that have an enriched science, mathematics and English curriculum,” Lapus said.

“We need to empower our RSHSs so they can stimulate and challenge 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 officers in charge directly managing the RSHSs. This includes their attendance in seminars that may be sponsored by the DepEd or other agencies. It will also defray expenses for students’ participation in science- and mathematics-related activities.

RSHS faculty members are highly competent teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees.

Twenty percent of the allotment is for the procurement of science and mathematics equipment, as well as the maintenance and repair of previously acquired equipment and upgrading of computers 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.

Fifteen percent is set aside for the purchase of instructional materials including textbooks and reference books for Science, Mathematics, English and other subjects, professional books, video materials and software in Science, Mathematics and English, as well as 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).

In School Year 2007-08, a total of 6,222 students enrolled in the 17 RSHSs. Each region has at least one RSHS. RSHSs are previously the annex of public secondary schools or specialized science high schools.

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REGIONAL science high schools (RSHSs) will get an additional P1-million subsidy and an allocation of P2,000 per student to augment their maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), the Department of Education (DepEd) announced.