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PH needs legal framework on the use nuclear power

MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday said the government has to come out first with a comprehensive legal framework on the use of nuclear power before it pursues any proposal on adding atomic energy as an alternative energy source in the Philippines.

"There is a wide range of issues that we need to explore and thresh out before we can accurately measure the true potential of nuclear technology. Should the Philippines decide to pursue adding nuclear power to the energy mix, a comprehensive legal framework on the use of nuclear power would first need to be crafted to tackle these issues," said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy.

He said these issues include the structure and powers of the regulatory body; licensing, inspection, and enforcement; radiation protection; sources of radiation and radioactive material; safety of nuclear facilities; emergency preparedness and response; transport of radioactive material; radioactive waste and spent fuel; nuclear liability and coverage; non-proliferation and physical protection; export and import controls; and physical protection, among others.

"All of the gaps in our nuclear energy legal framework would have to be addressed first by passing comprehensive legislation," Gatchalian said.

At present, the Department of Energy is studying the possibility of adding nuclear power to the country's energy mix.

However, the country's only existing nuclear energy body is the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), whose functions center around radiation and nuclear research and development.

Besides coming out with a comprehensive legal framework, Gatchalian pointed out that the Philippines has yet to ratify three key international nuclear conventions — the Convention on Nuclear Safety; the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management; and the amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

"A strong national framework on nuclear power must also be compliant with international standards on safety, security, safeguards, and liability," the senator said.

Gatchalian made the assessment following his participation in a study tour earlier this month to learn firsthand about the latest nuclear technologies of certain European countries.

He was part of the delegation led by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos, the chair of the Philippines Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization, and PNRI director Carlo Arcilla.

Among the sites the delegation visited were the International Atomic Energy Agency Office of Legal Affairs and the IAEA Seidersdorf Laborary — both in Vienna, Austria — and the Slovenia Nuclear Safety Administration and the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant in Slovenia. (PNA)

— KBAPI

Hand in Hand: DTI Laguna and DOST CALABARZON collaborate on Food Safety Standards and Basic Food Handling Practices

By: Dannah Jean C. Mendoza

MSME participants of the Food Safety seminar doing their activity regarding cross contamination at the Multipurpose Hall of the Municipality of Los Baños.

The Department of Trade and Industry, Laguna (DTI-Laguna) hosted the “Food Safety Standards and Basic Food Handling Practices” seminar with the Department of Science and Technology CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) as its invited presenter. Over 50 MSMEs who are inclined in the food service and manufacturing industry gathered at the Multipurpose Hall of the Municipality of Los Baños on April 24, 2018.

With high hopes of educating and helping the food manufacturers, Ms. Miladie D. Peñaloza-Peñarubia, the Business Councilor of Negosyo Center-Los Baños and DTI Laguna, hosted and supervised the said program. The participants were also engaged into fun activities and lectures given by Ms. Anna Rina B. Evangelista, Science Research Analyst from DOST-CALABARZON. “Food Safety is a shared responsibility”, Ms. Evangelista highlighted as she imparted the different food safety practices throughout her discussion. Market vendors, restaurateurs, and even online sellers were taught with the topics related to the potential hazards to food safety, pathogens and their
effects to health, food contamination, and safe food handling practices. According to Ms. Evangelista, the knowledge and practices that she discussed are not only applicable to the goods they manufacture, but also to the food that they prepare in their own homes.

Ms. Peñarubia expressed her delight with the turn out of the seminar. She also thanked the participants who were very eager and attentive throughout the event. The participants were also satisfied on how the seminar was conducted. Ms. Evalyn Alforja, owner of a chili business in Los Baños, undeniably remarked the said seminar a successful one in which she learned additional interesting knowledge. Ms. Jenifer Ramos from Bacoor, Cavite, also shared that she is now aware of the possible risks if ever the production process was not done properly. Glad of receiving positive remarks from the participants, the offices of DTI-Laguna and DOST-CALABARZON look forward to conducting other food safety seminars in the near future.

Ms. Ana Rina B. Evangelista and Ms. Miladie D. Peñaloza-Peñarubia together with the attendees of the Food Safety Standards and Basic Food Handling Practices Seminar.

P45-M research hub opens in Iloilo university

ILOILO CITY -- The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) marked its third foundation anniversary by unveiling its PHP45-million research center on Friday.

“The establishment of the research hub was an excellent example of commitment in this area, opening up myriad opportunities for academics, students and professionals to seek ways to develop solutions targeted at critical sustainability issues in Iloilo and beyond from a multi-disciplinary perspective,” said ISAT U President Raul F. Muyong during a press conference.

It will also serve as the “center facility of the scientist, technologist and managers who will be engaged in knowledge in different aspects of science and technology,” added Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension.

The center was created with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The inauguration was also graced by CHED Commissioner J. Prospero E. de Vera III, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de La Peña, USAID STRIDE chief party David Hall, DOST 6 (Western Visayas) Director Rowen B. Gelonga and Director Ro-Ann Bacal of the National Economic and Development Authority’s regional office. (Isaiah Junio and John Michael Ramos-OJTs/PNA)