Workforce development took center stage on the second day of the 2025 Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF), underscoring its critical role in driving the country’s nuclear energy ambitions. The forum was held from 02 to 03 October 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Manila.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin stressed the need to build a strong pool of skilled professionals as a national priority to support the country’s nuclear energy aspirations toward achieving energy independence and inclusive economic development.
“While infrastructure, technology and regulatory frameworks form the backbone of a nuclear program, it is ultimately the people as embodied by our scientists, engineers, regulators, policymakers and young professionals who will ensure its safe, secure and sustainable implementation,” said Secretary Garin, who also heads the Nuclear Energy Program Inter Agency Committee (NEP-IAC).
The NEP-IAC has been working closely with education institutions nationwide to equip teachers and students, and institutionalize courses, trainings, scholarships and partnerships in order to build and reinforce the country’s capacities for the safe and effective use of nuclear energy according to the highest global standards.
“For the Philippines, workforce development is not merely a component of our nuclear energy program; it is a national imperative. It signifies our commitment to empower Filipinos with world class skills and open pathways for meaningful participation in the global nuclear industry. In doing so, we build not only an energy-secure future but also a more inclusive and competitive economy,” Secretary Garin added.
The forum brought together global nuclear technology providers, regulators, academic institutions and international experts from Argentina, Canada, South Korea and the United States of America that shared insights into building a robust and future-ready nuclear workforce.
With the goal of achieving up to 4,800 MW of nuclear capacity by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in the sector is expected to rise significantly. Schools that attended include the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of the East, De La Salle University, Mapua University, University of Santo Tomas, Batangas State University, Pangasinan State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Mindanao State University, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology.
“This reaffirms our collective resolve to nurture and empower a generation of Filipino nuclear professionals who will carry forward the vision of a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy program,” Secretary Garin stressed.
The Department of Energy released yesterday a framework for the integration of nuclear energy into the country’s generation mix, designating the first commercially developed and operated nuclear power plant (NPP) as a Pioneer NPP that will be treated as a baseload facility and granted priority dispatch.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural forum held in November 2024, PINSCF 2025 further strengthened the foundation for the country’s bid to responsibly and strategically pursue nuclear energy utilization.
The Philippines’ initiatives come amid growing public confidence in nuclear energy as reflected in a DOE-commissioned nationwide Social Weather Stations survey, which showed that over 70% of Filipinos favor nuclear power for its potential to deliver reliable power, reduce dependence on imported fuels, create jobs, and address climate change.
In the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission (INIR) conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency last December in the Philippines, nine out of 14 of the agency’s recommendations have been fully addressed, while five remain in progress. Global innovations continue to make nuclear energy safer, more efficient and economically viable.
As a vital source of clean baseload power, nuclear power is expected to play a key role in the country’s transition to a secure, sustainable and self-reliant energy future.
