OECD chief lauds PH strategic plan for nuclear energy
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PNRI Nuclear Reactor Manager Ryan Olivares apprises DG Magwood on the Philippine Research Reactor - 1
DG Magwood hands a token to PNRI Deputy Director Dr. Vallerie Samson after the bilateral meeting between OECD-NEA and DOST-PNRI
OECD chief lauds PH strategic plan for nuclear energy
In a recent visit to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI), Director General William D. Magwood IV of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD NEA) lauded the Philippines' expanding nuclear energy program.
DG Magwood’s visit purposed to hold a bilateral meeting between him and PNRI officials focusing on the Philippines' strategic plans for leveraging nuclear energy to drive economic growth and address national development priorities.
The meeting underscored the Philippines' proactive approach, particularly its progress following Executive Order No. 164 which states that the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.”
This executive order has laid the groundwork for crucial advancements, including the development of comprehensive nuclear laws, strategic human resource development, establishment of robust regulatory frameworks, enhanced radiation protection protocols, responsible radioactive waste management, and strengthened emergency preparedness capabilities.
Director General Magwood commended the Philippines' commitment to establishing a safe and sustainable nuclear energy program. He offered valuable insights into refining the regulatory landscape and developing effective communication strategies to engage diverse audiences on complex nuclear science topics.
The bilateral meeting highlighted the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing in the pursuit of nuclear energy program development. The PNRI officials and scientists engaged in fruitful discussions with Director General Magwood, exploring potential avenues for cooperation with the NEA and its member countries.
The NEA delegation also toured key PNRI facilities, including the Philippine Research Reactor-1 housing the Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education and Research, as well as the PHILGamma and and the E-beam irradiation facilities. DG Magwood was able to observe firsthand the Institute’s operational capabilities and interact face-to-face with PNRI’s researchers and facility operators.
The visit served as a powerful affirmation of the NEA's support for the Philippines' nuclear energy journey.
The OECD-NEA is an intergovernmental agency that facilitates cooperation among countries with advanced nuclear technology infrastructure, focusing on nuclear safety, technology, science, and law.
Registration for the 2nd PH Nuclear Science Olympiad is now open!
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Registration for the 2nd PH Nuclear Science Olympiad is now open!
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) is calling Filipino secondary students aged 15–20 from private and public schools across the country to register for the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO), to be held this April 03, 2025.
This nationwide competition aims to identify and train the next generation of Filipino nuclear scientists and provide them with an opportunity to represent the Philippines at the 2nd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) in Malaysia this July 2025.
Building on the remarkable success of the Philippine team at the 1st INSO, where the Philippines secured 2 gold and 1 silver medals, along with a "Nuclear Ambassador" title and top scorer award, the 2nd PNSO seeks to further cultivate excellence in nuclear science education within the country.
Registration is open until 07 March 2025. Each school may nominate one (1) team only, composed of one official coach and a maximum of three (3) students. Schools are encouraged to rank students to facilitate shortlisting, if necessary.
The 2nd PNSO committee will evaluate the nominees according to established criteria and compile a list of official participants. The official list of participating students for the on-site exams, final testing sites, and the special prizes of the top 20 students will be announced on March 14. Participants and coaches will also be notified through email.
Organizing committee chair Ms. Kristine Marie Romallosa-Dean highlights the 2nd PNSO as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to nurturing young minds in the field of nuclear science and technology. Top winners will receive medals, certificates, special prizes, and exclusive training with PNRI scientists and experts to prepare for the INSO 2025. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for this chance to represent the Philippines internationally.
The PNRI invites students, educators, and parents to review the PNSO details, guidelines and download necessary forms on the PNRI website: https://bit.ly/PNSO2025Reg
The online registration form can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/N9uwsh7au6GRkbNP6
Ormoc LGU eyes DOST-PNRI’s plastic upcycling technology to help boost the city’s socio-economic growth
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PREx project leader Dr. Jordan Madrid of DOST-PNRI shows a sample tile for building construction made of plastic wastes that were upcycled using radiation to DOST-VIII Regional Director Dr. John Glenn Ocaňa (right) and Engr. Heber Matoza.
Ormoc LGU eyes DOST-PNRI’s plastic upcycling technology to help boost the city’s socio-economic growth
In their effort to strategize the growth of their city, the local government officials of Ormoc in Leyte looked at projects of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help achieve their goals. One of the projects that captured their interest was DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Waste (PREx Plastic) which applies radiation technology, particularly electron beam irradiation, to enhance the mechanical properties of products made from recycled plastic wastes.
“PREx fits perfectly in UNDP’s thrust to stop plastic pollution and stimulate circular economy,” said DOST-VIII Regional Director Dr. John Glenn Ocaňa in a visit to PNRI with Ormoc officials on Feb. 6, 2025. He pledged to bring the technology to Leyte, initially in Ormoc which first noted the PNRI-developed technology.
