Nuclear science and technology applications in food and agriculture, health and medicine, industry, energy and the environment will be featured in activities during the 40th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) celebration on December 10 to 14, 2012 to be spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI).
DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa said that this year’s AEW celebration will focus on the theme “Nuclear Science, Technology and Innovation: Engine for Growth and Development”.
The AEW annual celebration, as mandated under Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear technology.
The activities slated for the 40th AEW celebration include technical sessions on December 11 and 12; Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz (PNSQ) for high school students on December 13 at SM Mall of Asia; free guided tours to some PNRI research laboratories and service facilities; technical demonstration on radiation shielding materials; viewing of exhibits and film showing on December 11 to 14 at the DOST-PNRI in Diliman, Quezon City.
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo is the keynote speaker during the AEW opening ceremonies on December 10. Former Representative of 5th District of Pangasinan Mark Cojuangco will give the keynote speech at the closing ceremonies on December 14 while Representative Julio Ledesma IV, Chairperson of Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, will give the inspirational message.
The topics for the technical sessions include, among others, Energy Situation in the Philippines; Nuclear Energy; The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Verification Regime; Technetium-99m Production: Issues and Options; Application of Radioactive and Stable Isotopes in Environmental Forensic Investigation; and Food Traceability and Food Safety through the Use of Nuclear Analytical Techniques. These will be discussed by experts from the Department of Energy, National Power Corporation, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, and the DOST-PNRI, respectively.
The Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz, hosted by DOST-PNRI in cooperation with DOST Regional Offices and Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center (NFSDC), will be held at NFSDC in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. High school students from 11 regions in the country will participate in the semi-final and final rounds of the nuclear quiz. The winning teams in the quiz will receive the following cash prizes: first place – P30, 000; second place- P20, 000; and third place – P10, 000.
The Technetium-99m generator production facility, which was set up by PNRI for local preparation and production of Technetium-99m, will be inaugurated on December 10. Tecnetium-99m is the most commonly-used radioisotope in nuclear medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
For more information about the activities for the 40th Atomic Energy Week celebration and for tour reservation, please contact the 2012 AEW Secretariat at 920 8787 and 929 6010 to 19 local 286. (Programme of Activities)
