QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila– With the future of nuclear energy in the Philippines at the forefront of national discourse, PNOC brought together experts and students for a roundtable discussion on March 8, 2025, at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Centered on the theme “Balancing Power, Profit, and the Planet,” over 300 students from various state and private universities, colleges, and high schools participated in the event.
Featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers, the event explored nuclear energy from the perspectives of technology, economics, and sustainability. The speakers included Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) Director Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, Pangasinan 2nd District Representative and Chair of the House Committee on Nuclear Energy Hon. Mark O. Cojuangco, and Economic Analyst and Adjunct Professor Dr. Ricardo G. Barcelona.
Leading the discourse, Dr. Arcilla explained the science behind nuclear energy, highlighting its high energy density and advancements in safety. He pointed out that despite public skepticism, nuclear power plants have long operated safely in many parts of the world. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing high electricity costs and how nuclear energy could provide a long-term solution to this, Dr. Arcilla stated, “This is the most important thing. A median Filipino family pays more than 10% of its monthly income for electricity.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Cojuangco highlighted the role of policy decisions in driving the pace of nuclear adoption. “You need to realize that without nuclear energy, we will not have energy abundance because we are a fossil fuel-poor country. We need nuclear power. You have to want it. You have to be activists for it to happen,” he asserted.
Dr. Barcelona, on the other hand, provided an economic perspective and discussed how market dynamics have influenced the global nuclear industry. He underscored the importance of a balanced, data-driven approach in shaping public opinion, particularly in light of historical incidents such as the Chernobyl disaster. Dr. Barcelona explained, “The challenge for nuclear is not technical safety. But rather the emotive reaction to past events.”
The program concluded with remarks from PNOC President and CEO Oliver B. Butalid, who was represented by Public Relations Officer IV Sharina Mariz L. Walde. He highlighted PNOC’s shift towards innovative energy solutions and its role in leading strategic projects like offshore wind and liquefied natural gas infrastructure development. PCEO Butalid also emphasized the crucial role of youth in energy policies and commended the student organizations for their active participation in the roundtable discussion.
The event was organized in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Society of Proactive Advocates for Research and Knowledge on Energy, AI, and Technology (UP SPARK) as part of PNOC’s strategic initiative to raise awareness on the complexities of the energy sector through innovative communication activities. Through initiatives like this roundtable discussion, PNOC aims to engage the youth and broaden public participation in meaningful conversations on critical energy issues.
