Philippines Strengthens Nuclear Emergency Response Plan

The Philippines has enhanced its nuclear emergency preparedness by updating the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN), a critical step in the country’s clean energy transition.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) spearheaded a writeshop with 23 member agencies of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) to refine protocols for nuclear and radiological emergencies.

The updated RADPLAN establishes clear emergency response strategies, focusing on inter-agency coordination, disaster risk reduction, and public safety measures that align with international nuclear safety standards. It integrates best practices from writeshops held in 2023 and a technical review conducted in 2024 to improve nuclear incident mitigation and preparedness.

DOE Director Nenito C. Jariel Jr., who leads the NEP-IAC Subcommittee on Emergency Planning, said the updated plan strengthens the country’s capacity to respond to nuclear emergencies.

“This plan ensures a proactive approach to potential risks and enhances our nuclear emergency response capacity,” Jariel said.

He added that the finalized RADPLAN will undergo a high-level review by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure compliance with national disaster response policies.

The RADPLAN update is part of the Philippine Energy Plan, which aims to integrate nuclear energy into the country’s power mix by 2032. The government plans to start with 1,200 MW of nuclear capacity, expand to 2,600 MW by 2035, and reach 4,800 MW by 2050.

The NEP-IAC is actively reviewing compliance with both domestic and international nuclear safety regulations to finalize protocols and frameworks ahead of the country’s first nuclear power plant construction.

The DOE and DOST-PNRI reaffirmed their commitment to public safety and nuclear security as the country works toward a sustainable energy future.

“Strengthening nuclear emergency response measures is a critical step in building a secure and sustainable energy future for the Philippines,” the DOE and DOST-PNRI said in a joint statement.

The move to integrate nuclear energy is part of the country’s broader strategy to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, ensuring energy security and sustainability for future generations.