PNRI Celebrates the 47th Atomic Energy Week
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Former Congressman Marc Cojuangco and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara (3rd and 4th from left) are joined by DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla (3rd from right) and other PNRI officials during the official opening of the 47th Atomic Energy Week on December 9, 2019 at the PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City.
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta delivered the keynote address for the opening ceremony on December 9, 2019. The representative applauded PNRI's efforts in developing the diverse applications of nuclear science in agriculture, medicine, industry, and the energy sector.
PNRI Celebrates the 47th Atomic Energy Week
With the Philippines celebrating its latest achievements in the field of nuclear science and technology, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) will host the 47th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 9-13, 2019 at the PNRI compound with the theme, “Nuclear Science and Technology for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development".
Visitors were welcomed by an open-house showcase of several technical exhibits with free guided tours for all visitors, featuring the latest nuclear and radiation technologies, products and services by PNRI.
In his keynote address during the opening ceremony, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta applauded the Institute's continued progress in the development of nuclear and radiation applications for alleviating poverty through its diverse applications in various sectors.
Also present during the event are DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara and former Congressman Marc Cojuangco, who both challenged PNRI to intensify the campaign to revive nuclear energy in the Philippines.
The PNRI held its Technical Sessions on the afternoon of December 10 and December 11, with in-depth presentations by PNRI scientists and researchers on various nuclear and radiation applications in food and agriculture, health and medicine, industry, and the environment.
Meanwhile, thirty teams of high school students from across the country competed in the national level of the 2019 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz (PNSQ) on December 12. This year, Philippine Science High School (PSHS) - Main Campus clinched the first place, followed by PSHS - SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus for second place, Caloocan National Science and Technology High School in third place, and PSHS Central Visayas and Southern Mindanao campuses tied at fourth place.
The annual AEW celebration, as mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology.
PNRI Chemists Win 2019 RICE Award for Radiation Grafting Technology
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Dr. Jordan Madrid (middle), head of the PNRI Chemistry Research Section, receives the certificate of recognition for the Outstanding Utility Model Award during the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE). They are joined by DOST NCR Director Jose Patalinjug III (2nd from right) and other officials. Photo by DOST-NCR
Mr. Patrick Jay Cabalar and Dr. Jordan Madrid of the Chemistry Research Section with their exhibit of the utility model “Composite Nonwoven Fabric Heavy Metal Adsorbent and Method for Preparing the Same” at the 2019 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE).
PNRI Chemists Win 2019 RICE Award for Radiation Grafting Technology
For developing radiation grafting applications which can deal with toxic materials and other pollutants, scientists and researchers from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) were among the winners during the 2019 DOST Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) held on November 6 to 8, 2019.
Dr. Jordan Madrid, head of the PNRI Chemistry Research Section (CRS), CRS researcher Mr. Patrick Jay Cabalar and Dr. Lucille Abad, Career Scientist and Chief of PNRI’s Atomic Research Division, were awarded as Regional Winners for the National Capital Region under the Outstanding Utility Model Award for the PNRI-developed utility model entitled “Composite Nonwoven Fabric Heavy Metal Adsorbent and Method for Preparing the Same”.
Radiation can be used to modify materials and graft various polymers that can have advanced properties such as filtering various contaminants from water.
For this utility model, PNRI developed a nonwoven fabric from natural fibers such as abaca. Abaca continues to be useful and readily available as the Philippines remains its world’s largest producer, accounting for around 85% of the global production. The native material’s natural strength also makes it perfect for withstanding the grafting procedure, allowing it to serve as a base material.
The abaca would be grafted with synthetic polymers that can filter toxic heavy metals dissolved in liquid. Metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury and arsenic can become contaminants that are harmful to human health and the environment.
The materials are grafted using radiation at PNRI’s Electron Beam Irradiation Facility, after which it is further processed into its final form as a synthesized filter for heavy metals.
Studies showed that the nonwoven fabric is reusable and cheaper to use than commercial resins which have the same purpose, while also being on par, if not better, in filtering the waste.
PNRI was granted a utility model for the technology in 2019, and radiation grafted materials are expected to prove useful for various industries, particularly those requiring waste water treatment. Researchers are also looking forward to the development of other applications of radiation grafting such as producing biodiesel and recovering precious metals. The abaca-based adsorbent was developed under a project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and in cooperation with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) which provided the abaca-polyester nonwoven fabric.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also engaged in a project with the Philippines and other countries for the increasing use of these technologies to minimize hazardous pollutants in various bodies of water in the Asia-Pacific region.
The DOST 2019 RICE recognizes the efforts and hard work of Filipino inventors, researchers and students, encourages the development of inventions through competitions and highlights the role of the Filipino inventors in Philippine society and in the context of national economic development.
Philippines Features Nuclear Technologies for Food Security at ADB Forum
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IAEA Director of the Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya (2nd from right) with officials and scientists from the ADB, IAEA and DOST-PNRI at the opening of the Technology and Innovation Marketplace exhibit area on the first day of the ADB Rural Development and Food Security Forum
Philippines Features Nuclear Technologies for Food Security at ADB Forum
The Philippines recently showcased its innovative nuclear and radiation-based solutions to challenges in food security as well as its contributions to progress in rural communities in the Asia-Pacific region during the Rural Development and Food Security Forum at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Metro Manila, Philippines from October 28 to 30, 2019.
No less than officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and scientists from the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) spearheaded the presentation of nuclear science and technology applications in radiation processing, mutation breeding, food authentication and water resources management.
The DOST-PNRI and IAEA exhibit was part of the Technology and Innovation Marketplace during the forum. Filipino scientist Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya, who currently serves as the IAEA Director of the Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific, joined the ADB officials for the cutting of the ribbon and official opening of the exhibits.
Among these applications are the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) formulated to increase the yield of rice crops by more than 20 percent, and make the plants more resistant to blight and infestation.
Born out of the successful IAEA Technical Cooperation Program between the Philippines and the IAEA, the Carrageenan PGP is now available in the market and is already being used by farmers across the country. The technology was presented by PNRI Scientist Dr. Lucille Abad, who heads the institute’s Atomic Research Division.
Other technologies presented are the development of mutant varieties of ornamentals with unique characteristics, as well as staple food crops such as adlai, which may serve as a substitute for rice and corn.
Filipino researchers also featured isotope-based techniques in various fields, from analyzing possible adulteration of vinegar and other condiments used in households, to hydrology and the management of precious groundwater resources.
With more than 250 participants from the government, NGOs and civil society groups, business, academic and research sectors, the ADB forum proved to be an excellent avenue to feature nuclear science as one of the many viable innovations and best practices that can be adopted to ensure food security and prosperity among rural areas in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Lucille Abad, Career Scientist and Atomic Research Division Chief of DOST-PNRI, presents the radiation-processed Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter on the first day of the ADB Rural Development and Food Security Forum.
Dr. Jane Gerardo-Abaya, Director of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific (middle) joined ADB officials for the cutting of the ribbon and official opening of the Technology and Innovation Marketplace exhibit area.
PNRI Conducts Onsite Training Course on Environmental Radioactivity in Laguna
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From left to right: Japan Atomic Energy Agency Experts: Dr. Yuki Morishita and Dr. Hiroya Yokoyama, Mr. Jofel Suan of Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Dr. Chitho Feliciano, Head of Health Physics Research Section PNRI, Ms. Rosario Encabo, Training Course Coordinator (PNRI), Dr. Kazuki Iwaoka of the Quantum and Radiological Sciences and Technology and the employees of the Philippine Geothermal Production Company
PNRI Conducts Onsite Training Course on Environmental Radioactivity in Laguna
The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in cooperation with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) successfully conducted the 2019 National Workshop on Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring from September 30 to October 04, 2019 at the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC) Mak-Ban, Bay, Laguna.
The Training Course on Environmental Radioactivity is an annual workshop organized by the Health Physics Research Section (HPRS) of PNRI which aims to provide participants from various backgrounds a working knowledge and practical experience on radioactivity monitoring in the environment.
To better reach its target participants, the training course was conducted onsite in partnership with the PGPC. Thirteen employees of PGPC coming from its two branches (Mak-ban and Tiwi) participated in the training course. The lecturers who imparted invaluable knowledge to the participants include the Japanese experts — Dr. Kazuki Iwaoka from the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Sciences and Technology (QST), Dr. Yuki Morishita from JAEA, and Dr. Hiroya Yokoyama, also from JAEA; HPRS environmental radioactivity research experts — Dr. Chitho Feliciano, Ms. Lorna Jean Palad, Ms. Eliza Enriquez, Mr. Ryan Aniago, Mr. Paolo Cruz, Ms. Rosario Encabo (Course Coordinator), and Mr. Juanario Olivarez; and PGPC Mak-Ban Health, Environment, and Security Specialist Ms. Anita Mercado.
In addition to the standard lecture modules and practical exercises on environmental radioactivity monitoring, this year’s workshop featured topics concerning environmental radioactivity in Japan, especially on the current nuclear regulatory status and environmental monitoring strategies eight years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, investigations on technologically enhanced naturally-occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) and Japanese products such as rice, and the development of novel radiation detectors, by the Japanese experts, Dr. Kazuki, Dr. Yuki, and Dr. Hiroya. Ms. Anita also gave an overview of geothermal energy and facilitated the discussion concerning its costs, safety, and reliability.
On the last day and closing of the training course, the participants were conferred certificates signifying their successful completion of the workshop. A testimonial was given by the participants and overall, the workshop was very organized, informative, and effective. In the closing remarks by the PGPC Director Mr. Hector Morota, he indicated his interest in conducting similar and advanced training and workshops in collaboration with PNRI in the future.
