By Billy Begas
A member of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy said establishing nuclear power plants would reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel products for electricity generation.
Solid North party-list Rep. Ching Bernos said, “The effect of the Middle East conflict to our country only underlines the need to lessen our dependency on oil.”
“Mahabang usapin pa ang nuclear energy at hindi agad-agad mangyayari, pero malinaw na kailangan nating galugarin ang iba pang alternatibo—hindi lang nuclear, kundi kasama na rin ang solar, wind, geothermal, atbp. sources ng energy,” Bernos said.
But Bernos warned that the government should not take any shortcuts in the process.
“This is a long-term process, and whatever the Marcos administration starts within the last two years will only be the first step of laying the vast groundwork for nuclear energy utilization. There should be no rush, no shortcuts,” she said.
The lawmaker said there are complex considerations that have to be addressed even before a physical nuclear reactor becomes operational.
She cited the need to train people for construction, operation, maintenance, and other aspects related to the utilization of nuclear energy, among other concerns.
The lawmaker also said that the Philippines will have to consult and closely work with other countries that successfully use nuclear energy.
“We will want to work closely with and learn the best practices from the other countries that have embarked on the same journey to ensure that we avoid any mishaps and tragedies,” Bernos added.
