Public-School Prestige

It's a common notion in the Philippines that (expensive) Catholic private schools are the only ones capable of offering topnotch education in the country. Well lucky are those who've got the brains, because not only do they have access to the most prestigious schools in the country, they can be spared the financial burden too!

Yes, they're commonly referred to as the "scholars ng bayan." If you think your kid has genius potential, or you're a young intellectual yourself, (but lack the means for a pricey Catholic-school tuition fee) then despair not, because public-school does have potential.

Count on EYP's list of top prestigious public schools in the country if you wish to step up affordable education a notch.

School #1: The University of the Philippines

There's nothing more flattering than being labeled an isko or iska! As the only national university in the country (together with its elite roster of educators), the University of the Philippines takes pride in being the pioneer in higher education through academic excellence, outstanding research, and public service. The perks of going to UP include that genius stigma an alumnus is associated with---own it: you're from the number one school in the country.

UP is comprised of seven constituent universities and one autonomous college located in 14 campuses throughout the Philippine archipelago. No other academic institution in the country can match the scope and range of the University’s course offerings that include almost all disciplines and embrace all interests and inclinations.

(Check out the restaurants around the UP Diliman area)

Bragging Rights: To date, UP has produced 36 out of 37 National Scientists in fields as diverse as History, Engineering, Physics, Agriculture, Biophysical Chemistry, Psychology, Medicine, Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Cytogenetics. But UP’s strength does not lie in its scientific pursuits alone because 34 out of 57 National Artists named thus far are from UP, coming from Literature, the Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Theater, Film, and Architecture.

School #2: UPIS (University of the Philippines Integrated High School)

Located at: Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Not bad for a laboratory school: If you're going to be practiced on (like a guinea pig student), might as well have it done to you by the UP College of Education. The UPIS renders service to its Mother School's (The University of the Philippines) College of Education by allowing future educators to learn by applying their teaching skills on actual students.

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The UPIS centers its values on national identity and cultural pride; it really doesn't hurt to develop such a keen sense of love for country at such an early age! UP has that distinct ability to wake a student up, in order that he or she may confidently face the challenges that the real world will bring. UPIS not only instills characteristics that make up a responsible and productive citizen; it also equips students with life skills that should contribute to building a concerned nation of active countrymen. 

School #3: Philippine Science High School (a.k.a. Phi-Sci)

Located at: Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City

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; so if your child's a bit of a nerd, this school might benefit the both of you immensely.

Go apply for a Phi-Sci scholarship if you think you've got what it takes: a high aptitude in science and mathematics. The school's core curriculum aims to develop the scholar in all disciplines; but must you be warned: prepare yourself (or your child) for a load of advanced science and math. The 2nd year includes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as separate subjects.

School #4: Manila Science High School (a.k.a. Ma-Sci)

Located at: Taft Ave. Cor. Padre Faura St. Ermita

Its special science curriculum is dedicated to honing our country's future chemists, physicists, analysts, & engineers. The school encourages active participation from its students through its wide selection of science-oriented clubs. From Knights of Science, to Chemistry Society, to Science Research Society, to Physics Infusion Overload Network, to Techno Club, to Robotics Club, Astronomy Club and what not; This school will definitely awaken a student's passion for the Sciences, while allowing him/her to explore and discover his/her true calling among its many sub-fields. 

School #5: Quezon City Science High School (a.k.a. Que-Sci)

Located at: Golden Acres Road, cor. Misamis Street, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Quezon City Science High School is considered among the triumvirate of premiere science schools located in the Philippines; but just because you have to be exceptionally good at science to get in, it doesn't mean that the school ignores all other aspects of a well-rounded character. With its offering of electives (ex: Humanities, Robotics, Speech and Drama, Basic Journalism, Astrophysics, Basic French, etc.), varsities (ex: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, and Table Tennis), and clubs (ex: dance club, school choir, debate team, sports club, and science organizations), it will come as no surprise if a Que-Sci student happens to end up a Renaissance man (or woman).

So who's to say a public school won't take you places?