Government emergency personnel train to respond to nuclear and radiological incidents
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Participants during live exercises simulating an emergency radiological incident on a national highway
Government emergency personnel train to respond to nuclear and radiological incidents
Emphasizing the need for a solid and coordinated approach to nuclear and radiological emergencies, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) hosted emergency responders from various government agencies for another year of the National Training Course on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response held from January 12 to 20 at the PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City.
Organized in cooperation with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), the seven-day course provided participants with the basic understanding of the principles of radiation protection as well as practical knowledge on various emergency procedures and scenarios in case of nuclear or radiological incidents.
Coordinating the course with the JAEA experts are the regulatory staff from the PNRI Nuclear Regulatory Division, which is presently transitioning into the newly-formed Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority or PhilATOM created under Republic Act 12305.
The new law on nuclear regulations not only empowers PhilATOM as an independent regulatory body but also improves the country’s capabilities in implementing the National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN).
The participants represented various member agencies under the RADPLAN, namely the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and the National Transmission Corporation. Also among the participants are several researchers, as well as technical and communications staff from DOST-PNRI.
The training course consisted of lectures and practical exercises/drills on radiation safety, protection and survey, decontamination techniques, and environmental monitoring during nuclear and radiological emergencies.
The highlight of the training course was the integrated radiological field exercise which provided the participants with practical experience in the field, as well as the roles & responsibilities of RADPLAN agencies in an exercise simulating an unfolding emergency along a national highway.
Trainees learn basic skills on radiation protection and safety, including the use of radiation survey meters and decontamination techniques
DOST-PNRI leads the clamor of “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines!” at the 53rd Atomic Energy Week
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DOST-PNRI leads the clamor of “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines!” at the 53rd Atomic Energy Week
Riding a new high of public support towards nuclear power in the country, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) led the celebration of the 53rd Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 9 to 12, 2025 in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
Picking up from last year’s Gen-Atom with the new theme, “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines”, this year’s AEW ramps up the nuclear advocacy, while also reflecting the newfound energy akin to atomic nuclei among younger Filipinos.
IAEA Director General visits the Philippines to spearhead nuclear tech for plastic pollution
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi (1st row, 6th and 5th from right, respectively) with ministers and officials from the Philippines and other countries at the opening of the International High-Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics on November 25, 2025 at the Conrad Manila Hotel, Pasay City (Photo from DFA-OPD / Johannes Adrian De Guia and Clark Joseph Galang)
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers the opening remarks of the NUTEC Plastics forum (Photo by Dean Calma / IAEA)
IAEA Director General visits the Philippines to spearhead nuclear tech for plastic pollution
Showing the international body’s strong commitment to harness Atoms for Peace and Development, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, leads a large gathering of delegates from across the globe to discuss solutions to the global problem of plastic pollution in a forum held from November 25 to 26 in Pasay City.
With the theme, “Scaling Solutions and Partnerships for Global Impact”, the IAEA International High-Level Forum on the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution represents the agency’s growing initiative in recent years advocating the use of radiation and nuclear innovations for assessment, disposal and even recycling of plastic waste into useful materials for construction and industry.
Building on the framework of NUclear TEChnology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics), the high-level forum featured a large gathering of ministers, scientists, and other stakeholders to share in the progress of the various countries in developing the technology for reprocessing plastics and other innovative solutions combined with strong decision-making and support from their corresponding governments going forward.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the IHLF NUTEC Forum (Photo from DFA-OPD / Johannes Adrian De Guia and Clark Joseph Galang)
Recognizing the Philippines’ great leaps in radiation technology
The Director General took the opportunity to emphasize the need for the IAEA and its Member States to band its resources and attention together in meeting the challenge. As well, he had high praises for the Philippines’ enthusiasm and the presence as well as support of its leading decision-makers as it hosted the event.
"When we launched this program five years ago, given the dimension of the problem, we need to put our sights and our technology at the service of a solution, a very concrete solution, " said the Director General.
"Here today, in the Philippines, launching this important phase of the existing program NUTEC … is going to be a great success.
"It's an indication that this is a problem that is tackled at the political level so we can provide a solution, so joining us, I think we are going to be successful, here in the Philippines, here in the ASEAN region and in the world community."
He also lauded the Philippines’ role in international diplomacy, not only as a Member State of the IAEA, but also in the wider community of the United Nations.
Describing the country’s respectable stance as a necessary “voice of moderation”, he expressed confidence that the Philippines and the IAEA as a whole will benefit from its contributions in shaping the global nuclear policy through its recent election to the Board of Governors for the 2025-2027 term.
He also emphasized that in terms of nuclear power development, the previous progress made by the country and its newfound enthusiasm and active policies rightfully counts the Philippines not as a ‘newcomer’ state, but rather a ‘pioneering’ and ‘revisiting’ country that is absolutely ready to take the next step in its milestones towards nuclear energy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivering his keynote address at the opening of the high-level forum (Photo by Dean Calma / IAEA)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the forum with his presence during the opening ceremonies, highlights the strength of the country’s global linkages as well as its scientific institutions as it leads its own counterpart initiatives to NUTEC Plastics.
Foremost among these are the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Wastes (PREx) Project by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as well as the marine microplastics monitoring laboratory of the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI).
“Plastic pollution is emblematic of this new era of challenges: global in scale, persistent in impact, and deeply entangled with the way economies grow. It affects biodiversity, public health, supply chains, the lives of our coastal and urban communities,” said the President.
“NUTEC Plastics embodies the kind of innovation that we need — solutions that merge advanced nuclear applications with environmental protection, to translate scientific progress into tangible benefits for industry and for society.”
The President also cited recent developments in the nation’s nuclear regulatory framework and international cooperation as a sign that the Philippines is ready for responsible innovation as well as a deeper, science-driven cooperation with global partners. These include the signing of the PhilATOM Law and the country’s ASEAN 2026 chairship campaign.
We Juan-A Nuclear Philippines! DOST-PNRI to celebrate Atomic Energy Week 2025
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We Juan-A Nuclear Philippines! DOST-PNRI to celebrate Atomic Energy Week 2025
The Gen-Atom craze continues this year as the country once again celebrates the Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 9 to 12, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.
With the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines”, this year’s AEW reflects the extraordinary energy akin to atomic nuclei among generations of Filipinos, particularly the youth, as we talk more about the growing role of nuclear science and technology in national development.
This year’s celebration is also as enthusiastic as they are inclusive, with a wide range of activities in store for every Juan and Juana wanting to learn more about the benefits of the Atom.
Read more: We Juan-A Nuclear Philippines! DOST-PNRI to celebrate Atomic Energy Week 2025
