Manila: The establishment of the Philippine Science High School Negros Island Region Campus (PSHS-NIRC) is anticipated to catalyze a new growth area in Bacolod City, with preparations actively underway for its opening in the 2027-2028 school year. Barangay Granada, located in the eastern part of Bacolod, was identified as the location for the PSHS-NIRC earlier this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary to the Mayor Jose Marty Go confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for November. The announcement follows an official communication received by Mayor Greg Gasataya from Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-PSHS System Executive Director Ronnalee Orteza, detailing Bacolod City's selection as the host for the newest PSHS campus.

Covering nearly 10 hectares, PSHS-NIRC will be the largest campus in the PSHS System by land area. Mayor Gasataya emphasized the significance of this development, noting that not all urban centers or provinces have a PSHS campus, and it is expected to stimulate growth in the area.

In a separate statement, the DOST-PSHS System explained that Bacolod City was chosen after a comprehensive, year-long selection and evaluation process involving multiple proposed locations across the region. The new campus will be the first PSHS facility for the region, enhancing access to top-tier science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education for academically talented students from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and nearby provinces.

The PSHS-NIRC is designed to accommodate up to 720 students and is expected to welcome its inaugural batch of 120 Grade 7 students in the 2027-2028 school year. Orteza noted the campus will complete the 17 campuses mandated by law, surpassing the size of the seven-hectare main campus in Quezon City.

To promote awareness and encourage applications, the DOST-PSHS System is conducting a school-to-school information campaign targeting qualified Grade 6 pupils in the Negros Island Region. These students are encouraged to apply for the PSHS National Competitive Examination scheduled for January 30, 2027. Enrolled students will benefit from full government scholarships, including free tuition, textbooks, monthly stipends, and other educational advantages.