Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa, who heads the Institute, and Dr. Emerenciana B. Duran, President of Scientific Solutions International, Inc. (SSI), who undertook the construction of the infrastructure and the station’s initial testing, formally signed the certification turning over to PNRI the operation of the international monitoring facility sponsored by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The RN52 facility forms part of the international “eyes and ears” of the organization that is on the look-out for nuclear weapons testing worldwide.
In her brief statement, Dr. dela Rosa lauded the collaborative effort of the Health Physics staff, led by Ms. Teresa Nazarea, and the SSI for laying the necessary groundwork leading to today’s turn-over rites. She also acknowledged the local weather bureau, PAGASA, who provided the site for the facility and who has made available two of its personnel to undertake the operation of the station together with four of PNRI’s staff.
Dr. Duran, on the other hand, expressed gratitude saying that the success of the endeavor is owed to the synergy between PNRI and SSI. She promised to entertain questions on the station’s operation should these arise, and stressed the importance of data quality and adherence to the standard operating procedures to ensure the smooth run of the facility. The company she heads will be responsible for preventive maintenance in the station until the year 2008.
The formal contract governing the operation of RN52 is expected to be finalized anytime today by the Preparatory Commission of the CTBTO.
