Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. expresses his support to the PNRI in hosting this year’s Atomic Energy Week, in his speech delivered by DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, who revealed that it is her first-ever AEW participation.
Left Photo: DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon Sahagun (1st row, 3rd from left) with PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla (1st row, 2nd from right), and Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of Argentina (1st row, extreme right), cut the ceremonial ribbon, signaling the opening of the AEW exhibits composed of six Gen-Atom displays featuring the country’s latest advancements in radiation chemistry, food irradiation, reactor technology, environmental radioactivity monitoring, radiation protection and nuclear medicine (see photos below article). Others in photo are the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad Gold Medalists Mr. Mohammad Nur Casib and Neil Kyle Maniquis (2nd row, 1st and 2nd from right)
Right photo: Dr. Arcilla and AEW Executive Committee Chairperson and Career Scientist Dr. Chitho Feliciano show a new, 3D-printed diorama of PNRI to the distinguished guests at the opening of the 52nd AEW.
DOST-PNRI hypes nuclear for all generations on Atomic Energy Week 52: Gen-Atom!
This year's nuclear celebration of the generation finally gets rolling as DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) formally opens the 52nd Atomic Energy Week in Diliman, Quezon City this December 9.
With the theme "Gen-Atom: Fueling a Nuclear Philippines," the celebration aims to bring nuclear science and innovations closer to all ages, but with particular emphasis on reaching out to Gen-Zs and younger individuals.
Among the distinguished guests for the formal launching of exhibits are Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of Argentina and DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon Sahagun.
The undersecretary, whose first time celebrating the AEW with DOST-PNRI has proven to be a source of enthusiasm and inspiration, also delivered, in addition to her own message, that of DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, who lauded the role of the Atom in contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Nuclear science, technology, and innovation have a growing role in addressing food security, disaster preparedness, plastic pollution, and many more,” said Secretary Solidum in his statement.
“Its contributions to agriculture, health, and industry, along with the recent proposed inclusion of nuclear power in the energy mix, help us continue to build on the Four Strategic Pillars of DOST – promoting human well-being of, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability.”
Joined by PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla and other officials, the dignitaries formally launched the six Gen-Atom exhibits, as well as the brand-new diorama of PNRI serving as the centerpiece. Soon after, the Institute's gates were opened to student visitors in the afternoon so they can participate in the traditional open-house guided tours of laboratories and facilities.
More activities are slated for the rest of the week. On the morning of December 10, Technical Sessions on the latest innovations in nuclear and radiation-related applications by our very own Filipino scientists and researchers.
These include isotope techniques for analyzing air pollution in Metro Manila other regions as well as ensuring the authenticity and geographic origin of important exports such as mangoes, the modern developments in the field of nuclear medicine, and the country’s capabilities in the field of radioactive, and eventually nuclear, waste.
In the afternoon, students get to listen to Career Talks by young prodigies and professionals serving as this week’s nuclear ambassadors to the youth, inspiring them to take science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses and professions in the future.
December 11 will also see a tight competition as PNRI also hosts an On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest among Grades 7-12 students from 20 finalist schools in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces.
At the week’s conclusion, DOST-PNRI will also recognize its Civil Service Awardees and recipients of other accolades for the year. The Institute will also hold an Employees’ Day to cap the event with an afternoon of raffles, games, and well-deserved bonding after a whole year’s worth of accomplishments.
The AEW serves as the annual culmination of the Institute’s efforts in bringing the benefits of the atom to the general public, serving as an avenue for professionals, educators, students and other stakeholders or sectors to meet and discuss the growing role of nuclear science in national development.
As mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, the AEW aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology.
For more information on the AEW 2024, visit the DOST-PNRI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PNRIDOST/ as well as the PNRI and AEW websites at https://www.pnri.dost.gov.ph/ and https://aew.pnri.dost.gov.ph/aew/2024/ . You may also contact the Institute at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
