DOE tests nuclear emergency response readiness

The Department of Energy led a three-day tabletop simulation starting July 8 to evaluate the Philippines’ readiness for nuclear and radiological emergencies.

Spearheaded by the DOE’s Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, the exercise aimed to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate emergency protocols, and assess strategies using the Java-based Real-time Online Decision Support system, or JRODOS.

Unlike live drills, tabletop exercises are discussion-driven simulations that test systems and responsibilities in a controlled environment.

“This event is a venue not only for testing our systems and protocols, but also for strengthening our collaboration, building trust, and reinforcing our shared commitment to nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness,” said DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in his opening remarks.

Supported by the ASEANTOM Project and the European Commission, the simulation involved various government agencies and international experts, including Bojan Tomic of ENCO Consulting, a nuclear safety firm founded by former officers of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Tomic shared best practices and regulatory insights drawn from decades of nuclear safety experience.

The exercise aligns with International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines that recommend regular emergency simulations as part of national nuclear safety strategy.

Simultaneously, the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia held a workshop on radiation safety and waste management from July 8 to 10.

The event, hosted by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, emphasized regional cooperation on best practices and capacity building in nuclear safety.

The NEP-IAC, formed under Executive Orders No. 116 and 164, plays a key role in guiding the peaceful and secure development of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

Its initiatives support the broader Philippine Nuclear Energy Program, which aims to enhance energy security, diversify power generation sources, and contribute to climate resilience.

While the country has not yet adopted nuclear power generation, recent developments reflect growing interest in tapping nuclear energy as a viable, low-carbon source amid the rising cost of imported fuel and growing energy demand.

The DOE has stated that any future use of nuclear energy will be pursued with the highest commitment to safety, transparency, and international cooperation.