The Philippines is strengthening the foundations for the next stage of its nuclear energy program, with significant progress in policy, regulation, international cooperation, site assessment, financing preparations, and public acceptance, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported on 11 August.
The progress comes as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), called for the country to revisit nuclear energy as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and bring down electricity costs, while underscoring that its development must be pursued safely and its benefits properly communicated to the public.
Presenting the key accomplishments of the country’s nuclear energy program during a press conference, DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said the government is systematically addressing the infrastructure requirements under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach as the country advances its preparations toward Phase 2.
“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. Our progress shows that the Philippines is putting those foundations in place,” Usec. Bacordo said.
Under the IAEA Milestones Approach, Phase 1 covers the considerations necessary before a country makes a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program, while Phase 2 focuses on developing the infrastructure necessary to invite bids or negotiate a contract for a nuclear power project.
Among the foundations established by the Philippines are the government’s national position on nuclear energy through Executive Orders Nos. 116 and 164, strengthened international cooperation through the 123 Agreement with the United States and the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant feasibility study with South Korea, and continued implementation of recommendations under the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR).
During its December 2024 follow-up INIR Mission conducted in Manila, the IAEA concluded that the Philippines had made significant progress in addressing the recommendations and suggestions from the 2018 mission, with the country having fully addressed 9 of 14 recommendations and 10 of 13 suggestions.
The government has also stepped-up engagement with the nuclear industry and potential investors through initiatives such as the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum, strengthening links with technology providers, developers, financiers, and other participants in the global nuclear supply chain.
As part of its Phase 2 preparations, the government is studying potential funding and financing pathways, including public-private partnerships, consortium arrangements, build-own-operate models, and vendor-supported mechanisms.
Progress is likewise being made on the legal and regulatory framework. Republic Act No. 12305 provides for the establishment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), while the DOE is pursuing measures to streamline nuclear power plant licensing and establish the policy framework for a pioneer nuclear power project.
Potential nuclear power plant sites in Bataan, Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte have also undergone initial assessment, complemented by the IAEA’s Site and External Events Design Mission to strengthen the technical basis for future site selection. Public acceptance of nuclear energy has also increased, with Social Weather Stations surveys showing approval rising from 79 percent in 2019 to 82 percent in 2024.
The DOE is now focusing on remaining work across the IAEA’s 19 nuclear infrastructure issues, with priority areas covering electrical grid readiness; safety, security and safeguards; legal and regulatory requirements; emergency preparedness; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; stakeholder involvement; and nuclear workforce development.
Immediate priorities include the operationalization of PhilATOM and completion of its implementing rules and regulations; finalization of the RADPLAN; development of nuclear workforce and strategic communications plans; finalization of nuclear waste management technology; ratification of nuclear energy conventions; and issuance of a Department Circular on nuclear power tendering.
The Philippine International Nuclear Energy Forum 2026, scheduled for October, will further strengthen international cooperation and bring together government, industry, development partners, and other stakeholders to discuss the next steps for the country’s nuclear energy program.
The government is also working toward the finalization of its Phase 3 roadmap, which will cover the infrastructure necessary for the country to be ready to commission and operate its first nuclear power plant.
“The objective is clear: to make sure that when the Philippines moves forward, we are institutionally, technically, financially, and regulatorily ready to do it safely and responsibly,” Usec. Bacordo said.
The DOE said these efforts support the Marcos administration’s broader push for a secure, reliable, diversified, and affordable energy system, with nuclear energy being considered as a potential component of the country’s long-term energy mix.
