The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) will offer an artificial intelligence (AI) elective course at its main campus in Quezon City starting next school year, the agency announced on social media.
The elective will be available to students in the DOST-PSHS system, which operates 16 campuses nationwide, as part of its effort to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum.
Official announcement
DOST-PSHS confirmed the development in a post on its Facebook page on Wednesday. The post stated that the AI elective course will be introduced at the main campus in Quezon City for the upcoming academic year.
The announcement was also shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with the agency urging interested students and parents to watch for further details from the school administration.
Course details
The AI elective is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, including machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis, according to the DOST-PSHS post. The course will cover both theoretical foundations and practical applications.
DOST-PSHS officials said the elective aims to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in areas where AI is increasingly used. The course will be taught by faculty members who have undergone specialized training in AI education.
Target students
The elective is open to students in Grades 9 to 12 at the Quezon City campus. Enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with class size limited to ensure effective learning.
DOST-PSHS said it plans to evaluate the pilot program before considering expansion to other campuses. The agency noted that the course will be offered as an elective, meaning students can choose to take it alongside their regular subjects.
Context and significance
The move comes amid growing global demand for AI skills. The Philippine government has been pushing for digital literacy and STEM education to boost the country's competitiveness in the technology sector.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has emphasized the importance of AI in national development. In a previous statement, Solidum said the government is investing in AI research and education to create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation.
"We want our students to be at the forefront of technological advancements. Offering AI as an elective will give them a head start in understanding and shaping the future of technology," Solidum said in a recent interview.
The DOST-PSHS system, known for producing top-performing students in science and mathematics, is one of the country's leading institutions for STEM education. Its main campus in Quezon City has a history of pioneering academic programs.
Implementation timeline
The AI elective will be offered starting with the first semester of school year 2025-2026, the DOST-PSHS post indicated. Registration details and specific course schedules will be released by the school's registrar office in the coming weeks.
Faculty members are currently undergoing training to handle the course. The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with experts from the DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and other partner institutions.
Other DOST-PSHS initiatives
This is not the first time DOST-PSHS has introduced specialized electives. The institution has previously offered courses in robotics, coding, and biotechnology. The AI elective is part of a broader push to update the curriculum to reflect emerging trends in science and technology.
DOST-PSHS also conducts research competitions, science fairs, and internship programs with tech companies to give students hands-on experience.
Reaction from stakeholders
Parents and students have welcomed the announcement. In comments on the DOST-PSHS Facebook post, several parents expressed support for the initiative, noting that it would give their children an edge in college and future careers.
Some students said they are eager to enroll in the course. "I've been interested in AI for a long time, but there aren't many opportunities to learn it in high school. I'm glad PSHS is offering this," said a Grade 10 student from the Quezon City campus, who requested anonymity.
Education advocates have also praised the move. "This is a timely and relevant addition to the curriculum. AI is transforming industries, and our students need to be prepared," said Dr. Maria Santos, a professor of education at the University of the Philippines Diliman, in a phone interview.
Challenges ahead
Experts noted that offering an AI elective requires adequate resources, including updated computer laboratories, software licenses, and well-trained teachers. DOST-PSHS said it has allocated funds for these needs.
Another challenge is ensuring that the course remains accessible to all students, regardless of their technical background. The school said it will offer prerequisites or bridge courses for students who need them.
Forward-looking statement
The DOST-PSHS AI elective is expected to serve as a model for other secondary schools in the Philippines looking to integrate AI into their curricula. The agency said it will monitor the program's progress and consider replicating it across the PSHS system and beyond.
