MANILA — To ensure better participation among the youth, the Department of Energy (DOE) has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to assist in nuclear courses and training in Philippine schools.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi met with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amayo at the DOE office in Taguig City on Thursday.
IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and inhibits its use for any military purpose.
In a statement, the DOE said Cusi had requested for assistance in providing Philippine schools with nuclear courses and trainings on nuclear science, which could be used in fields like medicine, agriculture, environment, and water treatment.
The energy chief said the use of nuclear technologies, including nuclear energy, was seen as a long-term energy option for the country. The possible inclusion of nuclear power in the current energy mix is consistent with the national policy towards a technology-neutral energy sector, he said.
At the meeting with IAEA, Cusi also presented the department’s activities related to nuclear energy.
“The report touched on the possible cooperation in other areas, such as human resource development, nuclear safety, legal and regulatory framework, international standards, cooperation with the international community, stakeholders’ involvement, and challenges, which include the closure on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant issue,” the DOE said.
The DOE’s recommendations on the country’s national position included the results of the energy planning studies implemented under IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Projects, which included the “Development of Nuclear Infrastructure in the Philippines, Phase II for 2018-2019”. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
