Dr. Larry Cabatic, who served as director of Ilocos region campus for almost ten years, was appointed as the new executive director of Philippine Science High School System (PSHS), replacing Dr. Josette P. Biyo, current director of Science Education Institute (SEI). The PSHS system and SEI, both providing scholarships in the field of science and technology, are under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dr. Cabatic, a civil engineer by profession, together with other new PSHS officials, took their oath of office during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the institution last September 5, 2014 at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of PSHS Main Campus in Quezon City. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo administered said ceremony.

Dr. Cabatic finished Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP).In 1999; he obtained a Masters degree in Development Administration and a Doctorate degree in Philosophy major in Technological Education Management (2002), both in Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU).

He worked as a Labor Standards Enforcement Officer in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 1 from 1988 to 1993. From thereon, he became the Provincial Labor Officer of DOLE La Union Provincial Office from 1993 to 1997, before he assumed the position as Chief Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE Region 1 from 2002 to 2004.

Then from 2004 until he was assigned as executive director of PSHS last September 01, 2014, Dr. Cabatic spent his time as the director of the PSHS Ilocos region campus. Some of his notable achievements were establishing linkages with institutions, such as UNP, DMMMSU, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Systems Management, and Department of Agriculture for research and laboratory support services. He also supported several outreach projects and activities for the local community to address waste problems as well as Gender and Development for people empowerment through welding and masonry skills development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rod Allan De Lara, who served as officer-in-charge of PSHS for six months, also took his oath as Deputy Executive Director of PSHS along with other new campus directors, namely Engr. Lorvi B. Pagorogon of the Central Mindanao Campus, Ruwina S. Gonzaga of the newly-established PSHS-Caraga in Butuan City, Delia C. Legaspino of Southern Mindanao campus, Dr. Salvador B. Romo of Cagayan Valley Campus, Dr. Chuchi P. Garganera of the newly-established PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City, and Dr. Warren D. Cordeta of the PSHS Central Visayas Campus in Argao, Cebu.

PSHS is a service institute under DOST that offers free scholarship for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the Sciences with the end view of preparing its students for a career in Science. It has 13 campuses all over the country and DOST is targeting to install three additional campuses by 2016. (S&T Media Service, DOST-STII)

Secretary Mario G. Montejo (leftmost) administers the oath taking ceremony of new officials of the Philippine Science High School System during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the institution last September 5, 2014 at the Multi-Purpose Gymnasium of PSHS Main Campus in Quezon City. From left in line: new PSHS System Executive Director Dr. Larry L. Cabatic, Deputy Executive Director Rod Allan De Lara, Engr. Lorvi B. Pagorogon (Central Mindanao campus), and campus directos Dr. Salvador B. Romo (Cagayan Valley campus), Dr. Warren D. Cordeta (Central Visayas campus), Dr. Chuchi P. Garganera (PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN campus), Ruwina S. Gonzaga (Caraga campus), and Delia C. Legaspino (Southern Mindanao campus). (Photo from PSHS)