The Philippine Science High School (PSHS), in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), has recently broken ground the 4.6-hectare Infinitum learning resource center in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, which is envisioned to become the center for 21st-century learning and service continuity for the entire PSHS system.
Targeted to be operational by 2026, the Infinitum will serve as a campus for its senior high school students and a resource center for teachers and professionals. It will house a multi-purpose academic building with 24 classrooms, case rooms, library, faculty room, and a dining hall; a research center for chemistry, physics, environmental science and biology; a technology hub for computer science, mathematics and humanities; an innovation center; a training center; dormitories; administration building; and a summer camp area.
PSHS Central Luzon Campus Director Theresa Anne O. Diaz said the Infinitum’s state-of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories and immersive academic spaces form part of the modernization efforts of PSHS, which are aimed toward the continuous development of students as well as teaching and non-teaching employees. She added that the Infinitum will also accommodate the increasing student and employee population in PSHS’ existing campus at the Clark Freeport Zone.
“I'd like to thank the BCDA for making the PSHS a part of this beautiful project of sustainable communities. When we were beginning, nakita ko po 'yung grand project for New Clark City and it is very, very beautiful,” said Ms. Diaz.
Under the approved master development plan, 80 percent of the total campus area will be open space, while only 20 percent will be occupied. This is in line with the sustainability guidelines of New Clark City.
For BCDA President and CEO Aileen R. Zosa, the rise of PSHS’ Infinitum campus in New Clark City will be an important driver of the knowledge-based industries that will locate in New Clark City, providing the much-needed scientists, technicians and specialists that make up the outstanding human resources pool in the city.
“At a time when Central and Northern Luzon are primed for growth, the rise of the state-of-the-art Infinitum in New Clark City will enable us to provide more opportunities for quality education to the next generation of leaders here. This way, we can ensure that, in decades to come, the next generation can sustain - or even surpass - the growth we are helping to build here,” said Ms. Zosa.
During the groundbreaking event, BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang highlighted the importance of continuous and well-rounded education and learning in the economic and national development of communities.
“One of my selling points when I present and market abroad with business leaders on why they should invest in New Clark City is Philippine Science High School. I said that New Clark City will be the home of brilliant minds from students today who will produce great ideas in the future. So we take pride in that. You chose New Clark City to be the home for your new campus,” said Engr. Bingcang.
“With this campus - it augurs well with our vision for Central Luzon that is now in its prime for growth… It shows that the hope is really there for our country through your facility that you are building for us,” he added.
It was in April 2016 when the BCDA and PSHS signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a campus for senior high school students, as well as a learning resource center for teachers, administrative support, and other professionals in New Clark City. The PSHS then submitted a master development plan for Infinitum, which was approved in August 2021 by the BCDA Board of Directors.
As an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the PSHS system contributes to nation-building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in the science and technology field.
In a written message read during the program, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. is pleased with the continuous evolution of PSHS and for raising its bar of education standards. He added that its students are “fortunate to have the opportunity of experiencing quality education and learning experience through modern facilities.“