Luzon provinces eyed as sites for nuclear power plants

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos in Bataan, Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan and Camarines Norte could soon find themselves living near the Philippines’ first commercial nuclear power plants.

Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the five provinces have emerged as potential sites for the country’s nuclear power development, with initial assessments already carried out.

Bataan and Palawan are each being considered for two potential sites, while one site has been identified in each of the other three provinces.

This marks a significant step in the government’s push to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.

Bacordo said the Marcos administration is systematically putting in place the infrastructure required under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s milestones approach as the Philippines advances toward the second phase.

The first phase centered on the studies and considerations that should be undertaken before making a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program.

“Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework and the public confidence to support it,” Bacordo said.