International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano (center) with DOST Secretary Mario Montejo (left) and PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa (right) during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress at the Diamond Hotel in Manila
The 3rd PNC Technical Sessions at the ballroom of the Diamond Hotel in Manila
The Philippines Holds the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
Continuing the stride for advancing nuclear applications for national development, the Philippines has recently held the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress (PNC) from December 7 to 9, 2015 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
With the theme, Meeting Challenges through Nuclear Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth, around five hundred representatives and experts from the agricultural, industrial, medical, government and academic sectors, including key officials from international organizations attended the PNC as they assessed the current state and contributions of nuclear technology in the Philippines and reviewed the steps to be taken to harness these technologies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The 3rd PNC was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) along with several other partner agencies and scientific societies. The first and second Congresses were held twenty years apart, in 1976 and in 1996, respectively.
“Indeed, the Philippines has come a long way in harnessing nuclear science and technology for country development,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo in his inspirational message during the opening ceremonies on December 7.
“Though still not adequately known, the country has posted significant strides in harnessing the power of the atom in the fields of agriculture, health, industry and the environment, as well as in fostering nuclear safety, safeguards and security”
The Secretary mentioned several of these technologies developed in no small part through the efforts of PNRI and cooperating research agencies, such as the plant growth promoters developed from radiation-processed seaweed extracts, and precision farming methods using stable isotopes.
No less than Director General Yukiya Amano of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) graced the opening of the Congress as its guest of honor and keynote speaker. The Director General applauded the contribution of Filipino scientists, researchers and regulators in the IAEA’s various projects under the aim of Atoms for Peace and Development.
“More than three hundred Philippine nationals have served as international experts under our TC programme, sharing their knowledge and experience with other developing countries,” said Director General Amano.
Technical sessions and scientific exhibits were held during three days, where scientists, doctors, regulators, industrialists and government officials were met with a showcase of the latest nuclear and radiation technologies as well as the current issues that these applications may solve.
Another key aspect of the 3rd PNC is its renewed focus on the youth sector through the launching of the First Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit on the first day, where hundreds of students from high school and college levels as well as teachers, professors and young professionals were inspired by the experiences in the nuclear field as shared by Director General Amano himself along with other scientists and professionals.
This was followed by the National Level of the 2015 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz, where the top secondary schools from across the DOST Regional Clusters competed in a contest of knowledge in the field of nuclear science and technology.
A healthy combination of international prestige, full inter-agency support, the presence and potential of the youth sector, and maximum participation by the audience made the 3rd PNC truly commendable, according to PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa, who served as Co-Chairperson for the 3rd PNC.
During the closing ceremonies on the afternoon of December 9, the director thanked the participants and honored guests, and especially the men and women of PNRI for working hard in making the historic event possible. She also expressed her gratitude to the DOST, the IAEA and other partner agencies for their full support before and during the Congress.
Director Dela Rosa said that the resounding success of the three-day Congress will certainly prove to be a lesson and inspiration for future Congresses to come, which will hopefully be sooner and more frequent than the past ones.
“I hope it will not take us another twenty years to hold the 4th Philippine Nuclear Congress,” she said.
