Quezon City – Tuesday, May 04, 2023 – In celebration of Earth Day, Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization that leads in advocating the use of nuclear energy as a clean source of energy, together with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), recently celebrated Earth Day entitled “Love the Earth, Go for Nuclear Energy, the Green Energy Event.”
The event, was held at the PNRI Compound, along Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Established in 2019, Alpas Pinas is the country’s leading organization that educates and advocates for nuclear energy as the means to reduce the cost of electricity. According to Alpas Pinas, nuclear energy is not just a theory but a reality that the country must explore if it is to address the prevailing requirements of its energy needs.
According to a paper written for the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development of the Ateneo De Manila-Department of Economics, as of December 2021, the cost of electricity in the Philippines remains among the highest at US$0.16/kWh when compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand (US$0.10/kWh), Indonesia (US$0.10/kWh) and Malaysia (US$0.05/kWh). Only Singapore is higher than the Philippines at US$0.18/kWh.
“If we are truly concerned about the environment, then nuclear energy is the way to go. It is cheap, green and reliable.” said Congressman Mark O. Cojuangco and the country’s foremost advocate for nuclear energy.
Furthermore, President Marcos, Jr. stressed in his first State of the Nation Address, that there is a need to re-evaluate the Philippines’ strategy for utilizing nuclear power and adding it to the mix of energy sources needed to spur economic development while staying true to the country’s climate change commitments.
“As we bring the celebration of Earth Day to a close, we reiterate our mission in educating the public of the environmental and practical benefits of nuclear energy,” said Gayle Certeza, convenor of Alpas Pinas. “We believe that nuclear energy will positively impact the lives of Filipinos because it will mean lower electricity rates that will better allow for more savings.”
Aside from the commercial and practical applications of nuclear energy, harnessing this is also good for business as cheaper electricity spurs manufacturing activity that in turn, creates more jobs stimulating economic activity.
Moreover, nuclear energy will mean a greener planet as this eliminates carbon emissions commonly associated with conventional coal-fired plants.
“It is worth noting that after 34 years, the Philippines has, once more, a working nuclear research reactor. This facility is projected to open the whole scientific field of reactor physics and engineering for Filipinos; on its way for the Philippines to achieving nuclear power sustainability.” said Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director, FNRI.
The PNRI, an agency under the Department of Science and Technology, is mandated to undertake research and development activities in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Aside from this, it is also tasked with developing nuclear energy as a viable solution to the high cost of power, a greener source of energy and as practical applications in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine.
