Nuclear Law Symposium Discusses Safe and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
02 March 2018 MANILA — Steps to ensure the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy were outlined by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the Nuclear Law Symposium for Government Stakeholders at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at the Carlos P. Romulo Library on February 26.
The event gathered around a hundred lawyers and officials from various Philippine government agencies and other interested individuals. It was organized by the DFA Office of Legal Affairs in partnership with the DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations and the Philippine Embassy in Vienna.
The symposium focused on the presentations made by experts from the IAEA on nuclear energy and its significance to the Philippines, and on the international legal frameworks on nuclear safety, security, safeguards and civil liability. The experts visited the Philippines under the auspices of the IAEA’s Awareness and Legislative Assistance Mission.
Abdelmadjid Cherf, Senior Legal Officer at the IAEA and head of the IAEA delegation said that
the Mission “aims to assist Member States in developing their national legislation, and in implementing their national obligations arising from the instruments to which they are a party to and those instruments that are adopted under the IAEA’s auspices.”
DFA Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs J. Eduardo Malaya welcomed the delegation and cited the Philippines’ partnership with the IAEA in assisting toward an informed decision on further harnessing nuclear energy.
“The Philippines’ long-standing partnership with IAEA, including membership in the IAEA Board of Governors in the period 2016-2017, has been instrumental in raising awareness among Philippine policymakers and key stakeholders about the significance of putting in place and maintaining an adequate national legal framework, complemented by accession and adherence to relevant conventions. While harnessing nuclear energy can be a game-changer for our country and our peoples, a proper legislative framework is needed to ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country,” said Assistant Secretary Malaya.
Dr. Teresita de Jesus, Senior Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presented the key provisions of a draft bill being considered in Congress that would provide for a comprehensive nuclear regulatory framework.
The Philippine government has considered harnessing nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuel to address the country’s needs for long-term reliable and sustainable energy. Last November, the Philippine Government signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) on the development of nuclear infrastructure and personnel training.
The country’s energy requirement is considerable, and will continue to rise. In 2016, the country imported US $ 8.4 Billion worth of mineral fuel, and the demand for power will increase as the country’s population and economy continue to grow. END
