17th FNCA MLM
Philippine Country Report
Dr. Leah Buendia

Asst. Secretary for International Cooperation

Department of Science and Technology
Tokyo, Japan
30 November 2016

NATIONAL POLICY ON NUCLEAR S & T
In line with the 10-point Socio-Economic Agenda for the country, the DOST has
formulated its Science for a Change Program. The following areas can be addressedby nuclear S and T:• health• renewable energy and nuclear science for energy• agriculture• climate and environment science• food and nutrition• strengthening R & D and S & T Services in the regions• space technology

NATIONAL POLICY ON NUCLEAR S & T
The government recognizes that the applications of nuclear
energy in the identified areas will contribute to achievement of
Sustainable Development Goals:• ultimately eradicating poverty and hunger and making
economic development inclusive;• addressing the impacts of climate change bringing aboutrisk-resilient communities and ecosystems• sustaining the environment for the present and future
generations

CURRENT NUCLEAR S & T PROGRAMS• Nuclear Research and Development• Food and Agriculture• Mutation breeding (rice and alternative crops for resilienceto impacts of climate change• Application of radiotracers and stable isotopes
to study agricultural processes(erosion, nutrient and water uptake and utilization)• Application of radiation to control insect pests- successfully applied to mango pulp weevil (protocolapproved by USDA) and bunchy top banana virus• Plant food supplement from radiation-modified
carrageenan – 30% increase in yield for rice
being tested for more crops and vegetables

CURRENT NUCLEAR S&T PROGRAMS• Nuclear Research and Development• Health and Medicine• Nuclear techniques for harmful algal blooms being transferred to regulatory body• Production of Tc-99m generator and radiopharmaceutical kits
• Health products from radiation-modified natural products
such as carrageenan, alginate, honey(wound dressing, hemostats)• SIT to combat dengue virus-carrying mosquito

CURRENT NUCLEAR S&T PROGRAMS• Nuclear Research and Development
Environment – results are used in aid of environmental regulation and policies• Nuclear spectrometric techniques for identification and source apportionment of air
pollutants, marine and coastal pollution and other environmental studies• Isotope tracer techniques, radioactive and stable isotopes for water resourcemanagement, and for tracing the fate of pollutants from terrestrial sources to aquaticand marine receptors• Isotope tracer techniques for understandin terrestrial and marine processes such aserosion, sedimentation• Environmental radioactivity measurements and monitoring for nuclear emergency
preparedness and responseResearch reactor utilization

Reviving competencies in research reactor technology utilization by Re-using the PRR1 into a TRIGA
Fuel Subcritical Assembly

Objectives• Have an operational nuclear facility using the PRR-1 and the TRIGA fuelelements for research and education nuclear science and engineering.

• REGULATIONS: Nuclear regulations and guidelines developed

Output• PHYSICAL INFRA & HRD: TRIGA fuel storage tank refurbished, characterized and preparedfor nuclear science research and education• RADIATION PROTECTION & NEUTRON RESEARCH: Laboratory for neutron physics,
dosimetry and radiation protection research establishedFeasibility Study for a new research reactor
New RR will provide training for nuclear power plant personnel andenable the build-up of expertise, skills and technological readiness for anuclear power program.

Recommended a 10-MW multi-purpose, pool-type, cooled and moderated by lightwater, with a minimum operational lifetime of 40 years, extendable to 50-60 years withgood asset management. Technical specifications provided

Huge social-economic impact : capability for advanced studies in nuclear science andtechnology (neutron beam science); education & training, local RI production, support
to industry thru NAA & NDT and neutron transmutation doping

Economically & financially viable, savings in foreign exchange. Needs about 99 staff
Recommended sites: PNRI or BNPP compound
TIMELINE: at least 10 yrs

Nuclear energy utilization for power
The present administration considers nuclear energy as a viableoption in securing the Philippines’ energy supply. TheDepartment of Energy is currently in the process of creating theNuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO)
and preparing on building a national position and enhancing
public acceptance related to the development of a nuclear powerin the country.

Stakeholders involvement/Public acceptance
The PNRI-DOST continues to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the peaceful uses ofnuclear energy and to build and strengthen its human resources in the nuclear field for safety,
safeguards and security through:• Education and training• Radiation Technology• Radiation Safety• Nuclear S & T program for secondary schools• Introduction to Nuclear Power• Nuclear information dissemination• Business development and marketingof PNRI technologies