25 September 2014 - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Amelia P. Guevara reaffirmed the continuing commitment and cooperation of the Philippines to the objectives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as she led the Philippine delegation to the 58th Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna on September 23.
"The Agency will continue to play a vital role in enabling developing countries to use science and technology for development, and for maintaining international peace and security. The Agency can only do this with strong partnerships with the Member States", she stated.
Undersecretary Guevara cited some of the accomplishments of the Philippines in nuclear science and technology, and drew attention to how the country applies the IAEA's "Atoms for Peace" mandate to its national development program through efforts in increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing industrial competitiveness, ensuring accessible healthcare, and providing nuclear services to ensure public safety and environmental integrity.
She expressed support to the Agency's work in strengthening the global nuclear safety regime, through the efficient and effective implementation of international legal instruments, the development of safety standards, enhancement of national safety infrastructure, coordination of international emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, and the promotion of a nuclear safety culture.
The Undersecretary pointed out that the Philippine commitment to strengthening nuclear security stems from the recognition that nuclear security, along with nuclear safety, is integral to the continued development and enjoyment of the benefits of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In particular, she noted that a National Nuclear Security Support Centre is being established with the assistance of the IAEA in support of the National Nuclear Security Plan.
Undersecretary Guevara proposed working with the IAEA on nuclear security at a major public event to assist the government in its preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Heads of States Meeting in the Philippines in late 2015.
She reiterated the Philippines' commitment to realize the objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, stressing that there should be equal progress in its three pillars, namely non-proliferation, disarmament and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. She further emphasized that the Philippines shares the vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
The Philippines became a Member State of the IAEA in 1958. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology is at the center of the country's cooperation with the IAEA. The PNRI spearheads the development of nuclear technologies and formulates rules and regulations on the safety and security of atomic energy facilities and radioactive materials.
The 58th IAEA General Conference will conclude its work on September 26 with the adoption of resolutions on IAEA’s work in nuclear safety and security, technical cooperation, and safeguards in the Middle East, Iran, Syria and DPRK and other issues. The Philippines, as Chair of the Vienna Chapter of the Group of 77 and China, leads developing countries in the negotiations of these resolutions. END