Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte yesterday proposed the integration of nuclear science in Science subjects to increase public awareness of the benefits of nuclear science and technology, especially among the youth.
In his keynote address at the opening ceremonies of the 34th Atomic Energy Week held yesterday at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) complex in Diliman, Quezon City, Villafuerte said Science subjects should include nuclear science and technology.
"As we have Science subjects (in elementary and high school curriculums, we should) introduce in Science subjects a part that will consist of nuclear science and technology," he said.
"I would like to see a greater awareness of our people about nuclear science and technology. Maybe we should support conferences or even seminars and workshops elsewhere throughout the country in order to create awareness," he said.
Villafuerte, vice-chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives, said nuclear science and technology is "a subject that the public has very little understanding of."
He said nuclear science and technology is "feared by a lot of people" as it is usually linked to nuclear weapons.
Citing the mothballed Bataan nuclear power plant, Villafuerte said it is one of the "most misunderstood power generation technology" in the country.
"By and large, it (nuclear power plant) is a very safe technology. There are adequate control procedures to deter and prevent any danger to life, limb and property," he said, adding that other developing and industrialized countries actually use nuclear power plants for power generation.
Aside from public awareness on the benefits of nuclear science through the integration of nuclear S & T in Science subjects, Villafuerte said the country must also provide additional scholarships and trainings to strengthen nuclear S & T in the country.
He said youths should be encouraged to take up courses involving nuclear science and update their knowledge and skills by taking up further studies.
"Konti ang may Master in Science (M.S.) and doctorate (Ph.D.) in nuclear science," Villafuerte observed.
He said to further strengthen nuclear science and technology in the country, the government through PNRI, should put together a comprehensive list or inventory of research and development programs, beneficial uses of nuclear S & T in various fields, including education, food and agriculture, medicine, industrial applications and services.
The inventory must include the existing and additional equipment needed in the pursuit of a stronger nuclear science culture in the country.
Source:
Madel R. Sabater, Reporter
Manila Bulletin
Tuesday, 12 December 2006
