The Department of Energy (DoE) is testing national preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies through a tabletop exercise to safely integrate nuclear power into the energy system.

Led by the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), the drill held last week used the Real-Time Online Decision Support System to simulate emergencies and test coordination among agencies.

“Let this event be a venue not only for testing our systems and protocols, but also for strengthening our collaboration, building trust, and reinforcing our shared commitment to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness,” Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said on Monday.

Bojan Tomic of Vienna-based ENCO Consulting, a former International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) official, provided technical support during the simulation.

Regular testing

The exercise, backed by the European Commission and ASEANTOM, followed IAEA standards that require regular testing of emergency response plans.

From 8 to 10 July, a separate regional workshop on radiation safety and waste management was also held, hosted by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and Japan’s MEXT, to promote nuclear safety cooperation in Asia.

According to the DoE, the exercise builds on the progress of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program aligned with Executive Orders 116 and 164. Along with the recently ratified Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, it will help establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority.