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Philippine High School for the Arts

The Philippine High School for the Arts (Filipino: Mataas na Paaralang Pansining ng Pilipinas) (commonly known as PHSA) is a specialized public high school in the Philippines offering arts-focused education established in 1978 by virtue of Presidential Decree 1287. An attached agency of the Department of Education, it consults with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for policy and program implementation of its arts program. Aside from the Basic Education curriculum prescribed by the government, it offers various specializations in the field of arts.[2]

Philippine High School for the Arts
Mataas na Paaralang Pang-Sining ng Pilipinas

Public arts high school

June 11, 1977 (Enacting Legislation in 1978)

Prof. Josue Greg M. Zuniega

7 to 12

co-ed

200 - 210

Blue, Red and Yellow      

₱114.75 million (2021)[1]

Entrance to the school is highly competitive: at any given time, it has a small population of 130-145 students.[3] Students accepted into the PHSA are given full scholarship and living assistance.[3][4] Its campus is located in the National Arts Center in Mount Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna.

Creative Writing

Dance (Folk and Ballet)

Music

Theater Arts

Visual Arts

Every year, the school opens its application process through the Annual Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars (ANSYAS). Applicants must be graduating Filipino elementary school students not more than 14 years old with outstanding abilities in the arts.[4] Once accepted, students undergo basic education classes in the morning and specialized instruction in the afternoon.[5] There are currently five fields of specialization that the school offers:[6]


It is estimated that the government spends around Ph₱ 500,000.00 (US$11,000 in 2012) per student in his or her stay in the school.[7] Upon graduation, scholars pursuing higher education are obligated to enroll in an arts course. Similar to other specialized schools, graduating batches have names. The first batch that graduated in 1979 was named in honor of National Artist Guillermo Tolentino.

Controversy[edit]

Due to numerous sexual abuse allegations, DepEd insisted and requested help from the NBI to investigate the school immediately[8] in accordance with the letter sent by Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Duterte on July 11, 2022.[9]


At the end of the investigation, the NBI identified three suspects: a senior student, a teacher, and a male dormitory parent.[10] The school administration also responded to the issue saying that they will ensure that this will not happen again and promised to provide a good learning environment for their students.[11]

concert pianist

Rowena Arrieta

Leila Florentino, lead singer, performer in the Broadway-run .[12]

Miss Saigon

singer, ethnomusicologist, and cultural activist

Grace S. Nono

film composer, musician & YouTube artist

Diwa de Leon

actress for stage, film, and television

Shamaine Centenera

PH first Female Paralympic Sailor & Para World Sailing Champion

Cherrie Pinpin

- Actor, Gawad Pasado 2020 Best Supporting Actor (Edward), 17th Asian Film Festival 2020 Best Actor (Kalel, 15), 43rd Gawad Urian Best Actor (Kalel, 15), 68th FAMAS Award Best actor (Kalel, 15)

Elijah Canlas