International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano addresses the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress during its opening ceremonies on December 7 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila
(From Left) Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa and Director General Amano officially opens the scientific exhibits of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
IAEA Director General Amano at the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
Crowning the beginning of the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress this December 7, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano returned to the Philippines as the guest of honor at the opening of the historic multi-sectoral forum.
Director General Amano, who was met with a warm welcome and an impressive roster of nuclear facilities and laboratories during his previous visit to the Philippines last January, said during his keynote address that “it somehow seems appropriate that [his] last trip of the year should also be to Manila.”
He acknowledged the role of Filipino experts in the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, which is the primary avenue with which IAEA brings nuclear technology to its Member States. The Philippines has been a Member State of the IAEA since 1958, and has since been contributing to the United Nations agency through its expertise in nuclear R&D and regulatory functions.
“More than three hundred Philippine nationals have served as international experts under our TC programme, sharing their knowledge and experience with other developing countries.”
The Director General emphasized that the task of IAEA goes well beyond the nuclear weapons, as it continues to serve as a driving force in using nuclear science and technology in support of its Atoms for Peace and Development program. He also commended the efforts of the Philippines, particularly the PNRI, in developing nuclear and radiation applications that benefit not only the country, but also our fellow Member States in the Asia-Pacific Region and beyond.
“Our mandate is much broader than nuclear non-proliferation: it is to bring the benefits of nuclear science and technology to all humankind, while minimizing the risks.”
As for nuclear power in the Philippines, the Director General reiterated that while the IAEA does not intervene in a country’s decision to engage in a nuclear power program, the agency is always ready to assist countries that decide to use nuclear energy in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
He highlighted the “striking overlap” between the various nuclear applications fostered by the IAEA and the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to mitigate, if not solve, the issues of poverty, hunger, health, clean water, industry, energy and climate change.
Director General Amano was also present at the opening of the 1st Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit, where he advised the crowds of students and teachers that “nuclear science and technology is a very cool field to be in.”
“You will find it personally very rewarding and you will have an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of your own country, and of the whole world.”
