The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) successfully concluded the 53rd Atomic Energy Week (AEW), offering the public enthusiastic and inclusive activities for Juan and Juana wanting to learn more about the benefits of the Atom.
Officials from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) led by its directors, Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla (5th from left) and Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco (4th from left) gather at the 53rd Atomic Energy Week (AEW) celebration. Under the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines,” this year’s festivities highlighted the inclusive and growing role of nuclear technology in national development, engaging Filipinos of all generations—the “Juan and Juana” of today—in the benefits of the atom. (Photo by Xyrus Ivan De Gracia, DOST-STII)
With the theme “I Juan-A Nuclear Philippines,” this year’s AEW reflects the extraordinary energy akin to atomic nuclei among generations of Filipinos, particularly the youth, as talks become frequent about the growing role of nuclear science and technology in national development.
“This year’s celebration highlights our shared commitment through bringing the benefits of nuclear energy closer to every Filipino,” said Ryan U. Olivares, chairperson of the 53rd AEW Organizing Committee in his opening remarks.
For his part, Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, director of the DOST-PNRI, acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the employees of DOST-PNRI, saying that they are vital in achieving the vision of the Institute to become the leading nuclear center in Southeast Asia.
Advancing the Four Pillars of Development
In a video message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed his unwavering support to the DOST-PNRI as it spearheads the 53rd AEW, commending how nuclear science and technology resonates with the four pillars of the Department: promoting human well being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability.
“To these ends, the Department supports the Philippines’ efforts under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, nuclear research, development, and innovation have a growing role in addressing major issues such as food security, disaster risk reduction and most notably, plastic pollution,” he said.
He also shared about the recent meeting he joined between DOST-PNRI and the International Atomic Energy Agency or IAEA officials where we offered the latest advances in radiation technology as an innovative and yet realistic solution for re-processing plastics, showing the great strides that DOST through PNRI has made in nuclear science.
A “Liberated” Era for Nuclear Promotion
A major highlight of the week was the keynote address by Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco, who announced that the DOST-PNRI has been “liberated” by the passage of Republic Act No. 12305.
This law created the PhilATOM, short for Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, allowing the DOST-PNRI to focus more aggressively on its role in promoting nuclear technology.
“Now, PNRI can now concentrate on its other job of promoting nuclear in the Philippines,” he said, adding that the Institute should advocate for nuclear as it is essential in the country’s economy.
He also asserted that nuclear energy saves lives by avoiding pollution and called on the scientific community to actively fight disinformation based on the technology’s strong historical safety record.
“We boast of how nuclear saves lives by avoiding pollution, instead of defending safety of nuclear energy because there is nothing to defend based on historical records. Now is the time to fight disinformation,” he said.
Public Engagement and Scientific Dialogue
The celebration featured Open-House Technical Exhibits from December 9 to 11, where Filipino scientists led free guided tours. These exhibits covered five essential themes:
● Team 1: Radiation in Daily Life – Everyday applications of radiation (focused on the public and radiation workers)
● Team 2: Nuclear Science in Health Innovations – Use of nuclear science in medicine, therapy, and health physics applications
● Team 3: Environmental Protection and Monitoring – Use of nuclear techniques to track pollution and monitor the environment
● Team 4: Nuclear Energy, Safety, Security, and Safeguards – Basics of nuclear energy, safety protocols, and potential applications, and the newly-established PhilATOM
● Team 5: Research and Innovation at PNRI – Highlights of on-going PNRI research projects
Simultaneously, the 4th Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference (PNRDC 2025) gathered experts and students to discuss advancements in policy and technology.
To support academic growth, the conference partnered with a Scopus-indexed journal to publish selected peer-reviewed research.
Empowering the Next Generation
The event also featured the Myth Smashers Nuclear Science App Competition, where senior high school and college students developed mobile apps to debunk common misconceptions about nuclear science.
The winning team from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Open University System San Pedro, who battled with the team from Technological University of the Philippines Quezon City, earned the right to represent the Philippines at the ANENT International Finals in March 2026.
This year’s AEW was held from December 9 to 12, 2025 at the DOST-PNRI Compound in Quezon City.
The AEW serves as the annual culmination of the Institute’s efforts in promoting nuclear science and technology to the general public. As mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, the AEW aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology. It is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All.
For more information on the outcomes of AEW 2025, visit the official PNRI website at https://www.pnri.dost.gov.ph/ or contact information@pnri.dost.gov.ph.
