NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV with Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin
The NEA works on an ongoing basis with countries around the world that are exploring the development of nuclear energy programmes. NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV was in Manila, the Philippines, on 24-26 February to engage in discussions with representatives from government, academia, research institutions and the private sector.
“While developing a nuclear energy programme can be a challenging process, the Philippines already has a strong technical base in research, science and technology upon which to build,” said Director-General Magwood after the visit. “The NEA looks forward to strengthening co-operation with the Philippines’ energy sector stakeholders working to advance nuclear energy development in the country.”
Director-General Magwood met with a delegation of the Department of Energy of the Philippines led by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla to discuss the potential of nuclear energy to contribute to the country’s energy security and environmental goals. As the Philippines’ government is working towards advancing its nuclear energy programme, the discussion covered aspects related to workforce expansion, regulatory frameworks, public acceptance and potential co-operation. Director-General Magwood also presented the latest NEA analysis on small modular reactors (SMRs) and ongoing work in the areas of nuclear finance, supply chains and capacity building.
The progress made in nuclear energy development in the Philippines, the next steps towards deployment and potential co-operation through NEA initiatives and events were the focus of a meeting with Marcos Punsalang, OUMAIER-APEC National Secretariat Director-General at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Meeting with Marcos Punsalang, OUMAIER-APEC National Secretariat Director-General at the Department of Foreign Affairs
During the mission, the NEA Director-General also met with Dr Renato U. Solidum, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr Leah J. Buendia, Undersecretary for Research and Development at the DOST, and Dr Carlo A. Arcilla, Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), who outlined the country’s comprehensive science and technology framework. The discussions addressed potential opportunities for joint research projects on nuclear medicine and radioactive waste management.
Meetings at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Director-General Magwood met Dr Vallerie Ann Samson, Deputy Director of the PNRI, who highlighted the institute’s recent achievements, such as the licensing of a subcritical research reactor, the development of nuclear medicine facilities and advancements in irradiation services. They discussed the next steps towards developing a robust nuclear safety regulatory framework in the Philippines and how the NEA could support this important effort.
Undersecretary Ronald U. Mendoza and Assistant Secretary Georgina H. Yang of the Department of Education presented the Department’s strategic plan for 2025-2035, as well as plans to modernise and digitise the education system in the Philippines. The meeting included a discussion of challenges in workforce development as well as potential collaboration.
Meeting with industry representatives
Meetings with energy industry representatives provided an opportunity to exchange views on how to address the challenges in the energy sector. During a roundtable discussion, leaders from Meralco, Aboitiz Power, GN Power, Prime Infra and San Miguel Global Power shared perspectives on the country’s evolving energy landscape, particularly challenges related to public perception, financing and regulation. Director-General Magwood provided insights on global nuclear technology options, particularly SMRs, and shared lessons from other countries on regulatory best practices and financing models. He stressed the importance of long-term workforce planning to ensure a sustainable nuclear energy sector. The conversation underscored the need for an independent regulatory authority and a structured approach to site selection. Industry representatives expressed strong interest in further engagement with the NEA to support workforce development initiatives, capacity-building programmes and knowledge-sharing on regulatory and financial aspects.
Meetings and Technical Tour at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
The mission to the Philippines included tours to the Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Centre, which is a leader in nuclear medicine in the country. Director-General Magwood and medical centre representatives discussed the opportunities and challenges related to nuclear medicine, including medical radioisotopes supply and the NEA’s recent work in the field.
Visit to the St. Luke’s Medical Centre
The NEA Director-General delivered lectures and engaged in discussions with students and staff during visits to the Philippine Science High School and the University of the Philippines.
Director-General Magwood delivers a lecture at the University of the Philippines
