President Marcos explores nuclear energy partnership with Singapore

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed openness to a possible nuclear cooperation with Singapore as part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ energy security.

Marcos discussed his plans during his visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) in Singapore.

“As our economy grows, so does our need for reliable, affordable and cleaner energy,” he said in a Facebook post.

“During my visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, we explored opportunities for cooperation in nuclear science, research and safety as we study nuclear power as a possible long-term energy source for the Philippines,” Marcos added.

He stressed the need to explore alternative energy sources to meet the country’s growing power requirements.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that Filipino households and businesses have access to reliable and affordable electricity.

“Our goal is to secure an energy future where Filipino families and businesses have access to sufficient, affordable and dependable electricity, with safety remaining our highest priority,” he said.

Marcos underscored the potential of nuclear energy to help increase the country’s power supply and reduce electricity costs.

He noted that the Philippines is already in the first two phases of preparations for nuclear adoption. He also cited the Filipinos’ readiness to adopt nuclear energy as a source of power.

Marcos said the Philippines has a pool of professionals who could contribute to the nuclear energy program, citing the country’s experience with nuclear power initiatives in the 1980s.

SNRSI is Singapore’s key institute for nuclear science and safety research. Its core research areas include reactor safety, radionuclide dispersion, radiochemistry, radiobiology and nuclear policy.

Marcos toured the institute’s laboratories and received a briefing on its work in radiochemistry, radiobiology and nuclear safety analysis.

Established in 2014 under the Nuclear Safety Research and Education Programme, SNRSI aims to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in nuclear safety, science and engineering. (PNA)