The beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology in food and agriculture, health care, industry, energy, and the environment will be highlighted during the joint celebrations of the golden jubilee of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the 36th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) on December 8 to 12, 2008.
PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa said that the theme for this year's celebration is "PNRI @ 50: Making Nuclear Science and Technology Work for You."
The PNRI, formerly the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, was created by Republic Act 2067, known as the Science Act of 1958, which was the same law that created the National Science and Development Board, now the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on June 13, 1958.
The General Florencio A. Medina award will be launched on the opening ceremonies of the 36th AEW on December 8. Gen. Medina is considered as the Father of Atomic Energy in the Philippines.
The keynote speaker for the opening ceremonies is Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Elmer C. Hernandez, a former official of the PNRI. DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro, to be represented by DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. dela Pena, will give a message.
According to Eulinia M. Valdezco, Chairperson, Executive Committee of the 36th AEW /PNRI 50th Jubilee celebrations, the highlights of the week-long golden jubilee and AEW celebrations are: the scientific sessions on December 9 to 11 organized with the relevant professional societies/organizations; the technical poster contest; National Science Quiz for high school students on December 10 and soft launching of new/upgraded laboratories and facilities at PNRI during the closing ceremonies on December 12. The laboratories/facilities that will be launched by DOST Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano P. Yumul are the following: the Environmental Isotope Center, Analytical Measurements Research laboratory, Carrageenan Hydrogel Pilot plant , Microbiology laboratory, Central Alarm System, Multipurpose Irradiation Facility and the Emergency Response Support Center.
The scientific sessions will feature the applications of nuclear science and technology in health care on December 9, nuclear S & T applications in food, industry and environment on December 10 and safety and security of nuclear S and T on December 11. Among the 18 topics to be discussed during the three-day scientific sessions are : The Role of Irradiation in Reducing Food Insecurity by Dr. Robert L. Griffin, Director, Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory, Center for Plant Health Science and Technology of the United States Department of Agriculture; Nuclear Energy in Power Generation by Pio J. Buenanavidez, Sr., Vice-President of National Power Corporation; The Need to Revisit the Linear Non-Threshold (LNT) Theory as Basis for Health Effects of Low Dose Radiation by Dr. Carlito R. Aleta, former PNRI Director and Coordinator of the International Atomic Energy Agency-Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA); Safety and Security of Radiation Sources: Global Threat by Eulinia M. Valdezco, Chief of PNRI’s Nuclear Regulations, Licensing and Safeguards Division; and Philippine Nuclear S & T @ 50 and Beyond by PNRI Director Alumanda M. dela Rosa.
Thousands of students and teachers are expected to visit the PNRI who will be availing themselves of the guided tours, film showing, interactive exhibits and the educational game of radioactive source hunting.
For more information about the activities for the 36th Atomic Energy Week celebration, please call Eulinia M. Valdezco, 2008 AEW Executive Committee Chairperson, 920 8796 or 929 6010 to 19 local 213 or Rhoda R. Leonin/Tina S. Cerbolles, Information Officers, 920-8787 or 929-6011 to 19 loc. 286, or you could email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
