PH Reaffirms Nuclear Science’s Role in National Development at IAEA Ministerial Conference in Vienna
Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña (seated, right) led the Philippine delegation to the 2018 IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology, and was supported by officers and staff of the Philippine Mission in Vienna led by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Leilani S. Feliciano, officials from Philippine Nuclear Research Institute led by Dr. Carlo Arcilla, and representatives from the National Water Resources Board and the Philippine Heart Center. (Vienna PE photo)
VIENNA 03 January 2019 – The Philippines and its fellow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) member states unequivocally highlighted the role of nuclear applications and the IAEA’s contributions, mainly through its “Technical Cooperation Programme”—towards the attainment of national development goals, including the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) at the inaugural IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security held in Vienna, Austria on 28-30 November 2018.
The Philippines delegation was led by Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña.
In the Philippine statement delivered at plenary, Secretary De La Peña reaffirmed the country’s support for the IAEA in delivering technical assistance to member states based on their development needs.
The Secretary expressed the hope that “the IAEA, through its Technical Cooperation (TC) Prorgamme, will continue to be a credible partner of the Philippines, as well as other developing Member States, in our pursuit to achieve sustainable development. Nuclear science and technology provides very innovative alternatives in the face of emerging challenges, such as climate change and its adverse effects, and the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases.”
A total of 137 member states, including 54 that were represented at the Ministerial-level took part in the IAEA conference which aims to address current and emerging challenges in nuclear science.
IAEA Member States unanimously adopted a Ministerial Declaration upholding their shared commitments towards this end, which touch on the SDGs on food and agriculture, human health, climate and environment, and water resources, industry, and energy.
During the technical segment of the Conference, Department of Environment and Natural Resources- National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo D. David Jr. gave a talk on the Philippines’ application of isotopic hydrology through the technical cooperation program titled IAEA Water Availability Enhancement Project (iWAVE).
On the sidelines, Secretary De La Peña paid courtesy calls on IAEA Deputy Director General Yukiya Amano, Department of Technical Cooperation Deputy Director General Dazhu Yang, outgoing Department of Nuclear Applications Deputy Director General Aldo Malavasi, Department of Nuclear Energy Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov, and Department of Nuclear Security and Safety Deputy Director General Juan Carlos Lentijo.
The Secretary also met with the representatives of Japan and Costa Rica, and congratulated them for their successful Co-Chairmanship of the Conference.
The Philippines also held an exhibit showcasing the country’s achievements in the application of nuclear technology at the sidelines. During the exhibit’s opening, Secretary De La Peña launched the Carrageenan Plant Food Supplement, which was developed through irradiation techniques by Filipino scientists to help increase typhoon-resistance of crops.
The Philippines also hosted a side event on 30 November 2018 in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of its participation in the IAEA. The event featured talks by Secretary De La Peña, Dr. Carlo Arcilla of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and Dr. Jerry Obaldo of the Philippine Heart Center.
The speakers discussed developments in the Philippines in applying scientific breakthroughs to improve the quality of lives of the ordinary Filipinos, including in the areas of agriculture, water resource management, and nuclear medicine, particularly cancer diagnosis and treatment. END
For more information, visit www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippine-embassy.at or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinAustria/ @PHLinAustria on Twitter
Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. De La Peña delivered the Philippine Statement at the Ministerial Segment of the IAEA Conference. (Vienna PE photo)
Dr. David of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Water Resources Board shared developments on the Philippines-IAEA project on isotopic hydrology. (Vienna PE photo)
Secretary De La Peña with IAEA Deputy Director General Yukiya Amano. (Vienna PE photo)
Philippines’ side exhibition at the Ministerial Conference (Vienna PE photo)
Secretary De La Peña with speakers and guests at the commemorative side event (Vienna PE photo)