Cusi: PHL to gain insights in hosting nuclear seminar

Cusi said the Philippines hopes to gain insights with the seminar as it is now undertaking various studies and capacity building activities aimed to determine the nation’s position on nuclear energy. (Photo: Department of Energy)

MANILA–Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi described as “very timely” the Philippines’ hosting of the 7th Nuclear Energy Cooperation and Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) Meeting on April 17-19 at Hotel Sofitel, Manila.

Cusi said the Philippines hopes to gain insights with the seminar as it is now undertaking various studies and capacity building activities aimed to determine the nation’s position on nuclear energy.

“The seminar will focus on securing radioactive sources, a grave concern relative to risks to people and the environment,” said Cusi.

The actual meeting of ASEAN member states (AMS) who are part of the SSN will take place on the 19th of April. Starting the three-day activity of the NEC-SSN is the seminar on security of radioactive sources organized by the ASEAN Center of Energy (ACE) in partnership with the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).

Attending the seminar are ACE, AMS, international organizations including International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ISCN/JAEA and European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN COE).

Local participants from DOE, DOST, DOST-PNRI, academe and electric utilities will also be in attendance.

Most are members of the newly organized Nuclear Energy Program Organization or the NEPIO. The Seminar will be keynoted by the NEPIO Chairperson, DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

The Seminar’s objectives are as follows:

• Reaffirm the importance of international and regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security especially security of radioactive materials;
• Promote ASEAN member states’ enhancement of nuclear security or security of radioactive sources through experience sharing;
• Enable JAEA to understand ASEAN’s needs and concerns to counter the challenges on strengthening nuclear security for developing a cooperative scheme to support ASEAN’s effort for the peaceful use of nuclear and radioactive material.