PH, US sign MOU on nuke coop
THE Philippines and the United States signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU) which will further deepen the partnership between the two countries in developing the Philippines’ nuclear energy program.
Energy Undersecretary Gerardo D. Erguiza, Jr. and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins signed the NCMOU at the Department of State.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, who witnessed the signing said “To ensure a resilient, inclusive, and green economic growth for the Philippines, we need to intensify our work in securing reliable and sustainable energy sources, including nuclear energy. Through our cooperation, we hope to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy and fulfill our decarbonization goals.”
For his part, Erguiza said the Department of Energy will intensify its collaboration with the United States to improve the knowledge and understanding by furthering the capacities on nuclear infrastructure, through various technical assistance.
Jenkins welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent signing of Executive Order 164 “Adopting A National Position For A Nuclear Energy Program, and For Other Purposes”, noting the inclusion of nuclear power in the Philippines’ energy mix and the country’s exploration on the viability of reopening the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
“This is great news for those of us working together to deepen collaboration between the US companies and Philippine partners in making sure that nuclear energy contributes to Philippine growth. We are delighted to partner with the Philippines to advance our shared non-proliferation energy and related climate vision,” Jenkins added.
