Left Photo: Engr. Ronald Piquero of the DOST-PNRI discussed the basics of nuclear energy, its applications and benefits, as well as nuclear power and waste disposal, at the Nuclear 101 Forum (Top Photo) held Feb. 16 at the Dagupan City National High School.
Right Photo: Engr. Edison Acosta of DOST-I (right), himself an advocate of the PNRI-developed Carrageenan Plat Growth Promoter, linked interested distributors to the Cebu-based Visayan Agricultural Innovations, Inc. PNRI’s technology adoptor.
Nuclear technology goes to Pangasinan
Pangasinenses got a glimpse of nuclear technology’s contribution towards safe and sustainable communities during this year’s celebration of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Region 1 held Feb 16-18 at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
The RSTW, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office-1, featured many locally-developed technologies including the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (CPGP). Developed by the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the CPGP provides nutrients that makes crops healthier and more productive, increasing crop yield to as much as 30 percent.
The CPGP was on display at the Sustainability Cluster of the exhibit area and for sale at the Innoventa section. Aware of the CPGP’s proven effectiveness, many exhibit guests expressed intention on CPGP as possible technology adoptors, distributors, or research topic.
Sec. Solidum opened the RSTW-1 celebration in Dagupan City as he assured during the press conference that DOST will be involved in evaluating the hazards and the potential guidance if ever there will be a nuclear plant to be established in Pangasinan.
DOST Secretary bats for nuclear power
Responding to a query on the possibility of establishing a nuclear power plant in Pangasinan, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum emphasized the need to use nuclear energy for power as the country strives for development.
“We need more (cheaper sources of) power…. And so, as long as we follow the procedures in selecting the site and looking at the technology that will be used, the purpose is always to decide for safety,” Solidum said.
He mentioned that there are specific standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure safety in using nuclear energy. Further, he said that the newly-established independent body called the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) will oversee nuclear energy regulation in the country.
“DOST will be involved in evaluating the hazards and the potential guidance if ever there will be a plan to establish,” he assured.
Students curious about nuclear
Meanwhile, at the Nuclear 101 Forum held Feb. 16, 2026 at the Abong na Alumni of the Dagupan City National High School, Resource person Engr. Ronald Piquero of the PNRI discussed the basics of nuclear energy, its applications and benefits, as well as nuclear power and waste disposal. The discussion stirred the curiosity of the young audience composed of elementary, high school, and college students, prompting many of them to ask questions for clarification and further details of nuclear technology.
Further, at the PNRI exhibit where potential partners explored the opportunities offered by the CPGP, students and teachers also queued to have their own isotope cards which bear the properties and uses of isotopes.
Science teachers said the cards will help them in their Science classes while students liked the design of the PNRI-developed cards which is inspired by the renowned Japanese Pokemon characters. “Ang cute!” students and teachers remarked as they reached for their collectible cards.
“I am looking forward to its game version,” one student said, hoping for a levelled-up isotope card experience.
The PNRI-developed isotope cards are a hit among students and teachers during the RSTW-1.
