DOST’s Statement on EO 164

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is a member of the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee (NEPIAC), tasked mainly to study the adoption of a national position on nuclear power and is chaired by the Department of Energy (DOE) with the DOST as vice-chair. This is in accordance with an earlier order from the President establishing NEPIAC.

The Committee’s recommendation became the basis for Executive Order 164: Adopting a National Position for a Nuclear Energy Program and for Other Purposes. This was signed by the President on February 28, 2022. The recommendation leading to EO 164 took a whole-of-government approach wherein the multi-agency committee conducted a comprehensive study to achieve a policy encompassing a wide range of issues including the status of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). EO 164 therefore is the FIRST STEP for the Philippines to use nuclear power. A national position or policy is the first of 19 milestones complied by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN agency overseeing countries planning to use nuclear energy. The EO anchored on IAEA prescriptions on nuclear power, which focuses primarily on the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy, to ensure that the country will apply the highest standards in the implementation of a Nuclear Energy Program.

The following DOST agencies are cited in the EO: The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), which is the R&D institute for the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. It also has the role of regulator to protect the health and safety of radiation workers and the general public. DOST, however, is advocating for the creation of an independent nuclear regulator through legislation. IAEA has repeatedly emphasized that regulatory functions should be separate from promotion and research work.

PAGASA and PHIVOLCS are also cited to support the EO implementation by vetting potential locations of nuclear power plants. A sound vetting is cited in the EO considering all audits and recommendations.

The EO also encourages the development of the nuclear workforce of the Philippines and DOST will help in this area through scholarships for nuclear engineering and science, including as well as reactor technicians training. DOST-PNRI has actually initiated nuclear education programs at UP Diliman and Mapua University as early as 2019.

Nuclear power is envisioned to bring down the cost of electricity and to contribute to energy security considering the various limitations now being encountered in the other sources which includes natural gas, geothermal, hydro, coal. A public perception survey conducted by DOE indicated that close to 79% of Filipinos approved the possible addition of nuclear energy to its energy mix. The global value of fossil fuel for example has significant impacts on the country’s energy security. Nuclear power which have benefitted several countries across the globe for more than six decades is now considered as an option to address these local energy concerns through EO 164.

The DOST, which is open to all technologies which meet functionality, sustainability, and safety standards, welcomes the signing of EO 164.