The Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024 concluded today with the Philippines getting commitment from international global nuclear energy leaders to supporting the country's nuclear energy program through technology transfer, technical assistance, and workforce development, among other strategic collaborations. The three-day forum which opened on 13 November 2024 brought together global and local stakeholders, including public and private sectors and civil society organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in a bid to advance the Philippines' nuclear energy goals. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, announced a US$100,000 seed fund from the Philippine-American Education Foundation to support nuclear energy scholarships for Filipinos, focusing on training in nuclear infrastructure through Fulbright programs. Meanwhile, Canada through its Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, emphasized its readiness to support the Philippines in achieving its nuclear energy goals, highlighting its comprehensive nuclear ecosystem, which includes advanced reactor technologies and financing solutions through Export Development Canada. Canada is also experiencing a surge in nuclear job opportunities and the demand for a skilled workforce will continue to grow, based on a study commissioned by the Canadian Nuclear Association. Additionally, French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, revealed that discussions are underway between the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Philippine Department of Energy to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering cooperation in energy transition and the implementation of nuclear programs. Energy Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin and Nuclear Energy Program – Inter-Agency Committee Chairperson welcomes the support and commitment of the global leaders in nuclear energy, underscoring the importance of these partnerships not only in terms of providing immediate assistance but also in laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation. These international engagements will help the Philippines in building the necessary infrastructure, workforce, and regulatory framework to safely and effectively integrate nuclear energy into its power generation portfolio. Undersecretary Garin also highlighted another critical aspect of nuclear chain --- the development of workforce which Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez assures of developing local talent pool capable of supporting every aspect of the nuclear supply chain, from safety and operations to regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness. TESDA is prepared to collaborate on training and skills transfer to empower the country’s workforce and establish a strong and secure foundation for nuclear energy management in the Philippines. "Once we have developed a pool of skilled nuclear professionals in the Philippines, we can also send them to Canada to help meet the growing demand for workers in Canada's expanding nuclear sector," Undersecretary Garin added. Echoing the benefits of nuclear technology, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa noted tremendous promise nuclear brings to the medical field --- a field that has seen revolutionary advances in diagnostics and treatment. From precise cancer treatments through radiotherapy to the development of radioisotopes for life-saving diagnostics, nuclear science has significantly advanced our ability to care for patients and save lives. “As we cultivate a nuclear supply chain, we must consider how this ecosystem can further expand our healthcare capabilities, making advanced treatments more accessible to the Filipino people, the Secretary emphasized. International nuclear energy experts, policy makers and energy stakeholders took center stage during the inaugural PINSCF 2024 from 13-15 November at the Solaire Resort North and discussed the latest advancements, best practices in nuclear industry, safety and security and other aspects of adopting nuclear energy program such as funding mechanisms as the Philippines transitions towards clean and sustainable energy systems. In her keynote address at the third and last day of the forum, Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Monalisa Dimalanta emphasized a crucial element for the success of a nuclear power program where she highlighted that beyond technology and financing, securing public trust is essential to gaining public support for nuclear energy initiatives. “Trust is the currency of the realm and the essential role of regulatory integrity, transparency, and accountability as we lay the groundwork for nuclear energy industry in the Philippines. A well-regulated nuclear energy program is fundamental not only to ensure public trust but also in operational safety and managing the complexities that come with this powerful energy resource,” the ERC Chair stressed. The Clean Energy Scenario of the Philippine Energy Plan considers the installation of 1,200 MW of nuclear energy capacity by 2032, with plans to double to 2,400 MW by 2035, and expand further to 4,800 MW by 2050. This gradual scaling of nuclear capacity aligns with the Philippines’ long-term goals of energy security, economic development, and climate change mitigation. Senate Energy Committee Vice-Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said that the path to nuclear energy is no simple journey, and expertise and commitment are precisely what the country needs to chart a secure, reliable and forward-looking roadmap for the Philippines. "The path to nuclear energy is no easy undertaking. What the Philippines needs is the collective expertise and unwavering commitment of our international and local partners to create a secure, reliable, and future-focused roadmap for our energy future,” Senator Gatchalian said. The PINSCF 2024 served as a pioneering venue for the Philippines to collaborate with all stakeholders to exchange technical expertise, valuable insights, and wide-ranging opportunities for the country to learn from international best practices, learnings and innovations, to guide the country's path to a safe and reliable nuclear energy program. ###