Building capacity in responding to nuclear and radiological emergency
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Radiation dose reading and decontamination of emergency respondents
Training participants with speakers and organizers at the DOST-PNRI grounds
Building capacity in responding to nuclear and radiological emergency
Nuclear emergency is something that we don’t want to happen. But if it happens, we make sure we are ready.
Thus goes the mantra that resonated all throughout the eight-day “National Training Course on Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response” organized by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) held January 20-29, 2025 in Quezon City.
Nuclear emergency is a situation involving a significant release of radioactive material due to nuclear chain reaction, such as a power plant meltdown. Meanwhile, a radiological emergency involves exposure to radiation from a radioactive source without a nuclear chain reaction such as radioactive material spill during transport or medical procedure using radioactive isotopes.
Nuclear activities in foreign lands that may affect the country in terms of health and environment are also considered as emergency situations.
To prepare for such incidents, PNRI experts thoroughly discussed vital “whats” and “how tos” in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response to the 36 participants composed mostly of emergency responders.
One basic learning is about radiation and radioactivity, including their properties, doses, and different effects to people. Knowing the properties of radiation helps in determining the shielding, or material used in protecting people, from radioactive materials.
Further, as part of their activities in preparing for and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies, the participants were trained in the use of radiation survey meters and dosimeters for monitoring radioactivity. They learned to frisk people to check radiation contamination, and to properly decontaminate people and areas.
Moreover, the trainees were taught how to properly communicate to the public during emergencies.
To put their learnings at work, the participants had tabletop and field exercises that simulated a radiological emergency which served as the culmination of the training activity.
“Despite my extensive experience in chemical and biological emergency response, this training provided valuable insights into the unique challenges and strategic approaches in nuclear and radiological emergencies,” stated Dr. John Paul Ner, a medical specialist and spokesperson of the East Avenue Medical Center.
“The training highlighted both the similarities and critical differences, enhancing my confidence in integrating these principles into a more comprehensive emergency preparedness framework. I am grateful for the opportunity, as it has strengthened my ability to contribute to a safer and more resilient community.”
The training also resonated well to those who are new to the field of emergency preparedness and response, just like Janna Mica Bagaforo of PNRI whose official function does not typically involve hazards or emergencies.
“The training highlighted the importance of being proactive in understanding potential risks, especially when it comes to nuclear or radiological incidents, which can have widespread impacts. I learned that knowing the basics of how to protect oneself, recognize warning signs, and follow proper emergency procedures can make a significant difference in staying safe during an emergency,” she said.
“Overall, the training provided a deeper sense of responsibility in being prepared, not only for myself but also for others, in any context where such risks may arise.”
Trainees were primarily from emergency response institutions such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines-Logistics Support Command, Philippine National Police- Health Service, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Army and their Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear unit, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and PNRI.
Other participants include the Departments of National Defense, Health, Energy and Interior and Local Government; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; Philippine General Hospital; East Avenue Medical Center; Jose F. Reyes Memorial Medical Center; Food and Drug Administration; and Taguig City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit.
Partnering with PNRI in this training is the Japan Atomic Energy Agency which provided the overall course direction and training of the resource persons, aside from providing vital supplies for the course exercises.
(Framelia V. Anonas, DOST-PNRI | Photos by Training Participants)
Finding the radioactive material at the incident scene using survey meters
(Left) Reporting of radiation readings at the command center
(Right) Handling patients with probable radioactive contamination
IAEA continues supporting Cyclotron and PET-CT development in the Philippines
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IAEA continues supporting Cyclotron and PET-CT development in the Philippines
Supporting the Philippines' initiatives in harnessing the Atom to improve the health and well-being of Filipinos, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to send its experts to help improve the country's knowledge and capabilities in the field of nuclear medicine.
Early this January, IAEA expert Mr. Soma Somanesan, Senior Principal Radiation Physicist of the Singapore General Hospital, visited DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute for several lectures on the operation of cyclotrons and Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT) machines, radiopharmaceutical production and quality management.
Cyclotrons produce important radiopharmaceuticals for PET-CT machines, which are used to scan and provide images of organs such as the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver and thyroid. These images are in turn studied by doctors to find any tell-tale signs of particular diseases like cancer.
DOST-PNRI is currently establishing a Nuclear Medicine Research and Innovation Center which will house a cyclotron and several PET-CT scanners, aiming to make earlier diagnosis of various diseases such as cancer more available and affordable to the average Filipinos as well as to serve as a training hub for current and aspiring nuclear medicine practitioners in the country.
DOST partners with Irradiation Solutions Inc. to advance radiation processing in the country
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Top photo: PNRI and ISI E-BEAM representatives look forward to a meaningful and productive collaboration after the MOU signing.
Bottom photo: The pact is now sealed as PNRI Director (third from left) Dr. Carlo Arcilla shows the inked accord with (L-R) ISI E-BEAM Vice President Mr. Victor M. Delgado Jr., ISI E-BEAM President Paul Francis B. Juat, and PNRI Deputy Director Vallerie Ann Samson.
DOST partners with Irradiation Solutions Inc. to advance radiation processing in the country
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Irradiation Solutions Inc, (ISI E-BEAM) on December 2, 2024, solidifying their partnership to advance radiation processing in the Philippines. The agreement marks a significant step toward stepping up electron beam (E-beam) technology for research, development, and innovation in the country.
Radiation processing, particularly through E-beam technology, is a cutting-edge application of ionizing radiation to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and ensure safety. Its benefits span across various industrial processes, such as sterilization of medical devices and packaging materials, reduction of microorganisms and elimination of pathogens in food products, and improvement of material properties for manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications, among others.
Such capabilities are crucial for meeting stringent global standards for health, safety, and trade, while also fostering innovative solutions for emerging challenges.
DOST-PNRI hypes nuclear for all generations on Atomic Energy Week 52: Gen-Atom!
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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.
Read more: DOST-PNRI hypes nuclear for all generations on Atomic Energy Week 52: Gen-Atom!
