The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DoST-PNRI) concluded the 53rd Atomic Energy Week (AEW), featuring activities aimed at informing the public about nuclear science and its applications.

With the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines,” this year’s AEW focused on promoting the role of nuclear technology in national development, particularly among students and young Filipinos. Ryan U. Olivares, chairperson of the 53rd AEW Organizing Committee, said in his opening remarks that the week sought to bring information on nuclear benefits closer to the public.

DoST-PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla acknowledged the contributions of the institute’s employees, noting their role in supporting the agency’s goal of becoming a leading nuclear center in Southeast Asia.

Advancing the Four Pillars of Development

In a video message, DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed support for the AEW and emphasized how nuclear research aligns with the department’s four pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.

Solidum noted that nuclear science can help address issues such as food security, disaster risk reduction, and plastic pollution. He also highlighted a recent meeting between DoST-PNRI and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials to discuss advances in radiation technology for reprocessing plastics.

New Role for PNRI

During the keynote address, Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco discussed Republic Act No. 12305, which created the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM). The law allows DoST-PNRI to focus more on promoting nuclear technology in the Philippines.

Cojuangco emphasized nuclear energy’s potential to reduce pollution and encouraged efforts to provide factual information about the technology’s safety.

Public Engagement and Scientific Dialogue

The AEW featured Open-House Technical Exhibits from December 9 to 11, with guided tours covering five themes:

• Radiation in Daily Life – everyday applications of radiation

• Nuclear Science in Health Innovations – medical, therapy, and health physics applications

• Environmental Protection and Monitoring – tracking pollution and monitoring the environment using nuclear techniques

• Nuclear Energy, Safety, Security, and Safeguards – basics of nuclear energy, safety protocols, and PhilATOM

• Research and Innovation at PNRI – ongoing research projects

The week also included the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference (PNRDC 2025), which gathered experts and students to discuss policy and technological developments. Selected research was published in a Scopus-indexed journal.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Myth Smashers Nuclear Science App Competition featured senior high school and college students creating mobile apps to address misconceptions about nuclear science. The winning team from Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System San Pedro will represent the Philippines at the ANENT International Finals in March 2026.