The Philippines along with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, began discussions on nuclear sources during the 7th Nuclear Energy Cooperation and Sub-Sector Network meeting.
“Discussions on nuclear energy as well as radioactive sources tend to attract issues on security. We are cognizant of this and must admit that this issue cannot be discounted as people and the environment must always be protected,” Energy Undersecretary Jesus Posadas said in his welcome remarks.
The seminar on security of radioactive sources was organized by Asean Center of Energy in partnership with the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.
Among those attending the seminar were delegates from the International Atomic Energy Agency, ISCN/JAEA and European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative.
Local participants included representatives from the Energy and Science Departments and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, the academe and electric utilities.
Posadas said the Philippines viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for power generation that could provide supply security, stability and reliability.