The Philippines has enhanced its nuclear energy emergency preparedness with the successful completion of a writeshop dedicated to refining the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN). This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s ability to mitigate and respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies by establishing clear protocols, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and ensuring alignment with international safety standards.
This effort builds on previous initiatives, including two writeshops in 2023 and a 2024 review by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) Technical Working Group (TWG). The TWG assessed gaps, integrated best practices, and incorporated recommendations to ensure that the plan aligns with international nuclear safety frameworks and is in accordance with the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
Led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and DOST-PNRI, the writeshop which was held recently brought together around 70 participants from 23 member agencies of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), including technical experts from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) preparedness and response clusters.
The RADPLAN establishes clear procedures for protecting public health and the environment while outlining coordinated response strategies for nuclear and radiological emergencies. It addresses potential incidents from various sources, including non-power applications of nuclear and radiological technologies --- such as medical diagnostics and industrial quality control. Additionally, it enhances the country’s capacity to respond to nuclear incidents from power plants in neighboring countries, strengthening regional security.
During the writeshop, participants reviewed and refined the plan, focusing on comprehensive planning and coordination protocols, detailed emergency response procedures, effective preparedness strategies, and clear operational guidelines.
The finalized RADPLAN will now undergo a higher-level review by the NDRRMC, which is responsible for ensuring that the plan aligns with national disaster risk reduction policies.
"This Plan strengthens the country’s emergency response readiness, reducing risks from both internal and external nuclear and radiological hazards," said DOE Director Nenito C. Jariel, Jr., who leads the NEP-IAC Subcommittee on Emergency Planning.
The NEP-IAC has been intensifying efforts on the development of the Nuclear Energy Program Roadmap to comply with the 19 infrastructure requirements set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
As part of its on-going initiative, the Inter-Agency Committee is rigorously reviewing the compliance, formulation, and implementation of both domestic and international nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. The goal is to finalize all necessary protocols, agreements, and regulatory frameworks before the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant begins.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims for a phased entry of nuclear energy into its power generation mix, beginning with a 1,200 MW of capacity, with operations targeted to commence by 2032, up to 2,600 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. ###