The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing the country’s electricity distribution sector for the future integration of nuclear power by equipping distribution utilities (DUs) with the technical, operational, and regulatory knowledge needed to support the implementation of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program.
As the Philippines advances efforts to diversify its energy mix and strengthen long-term energy security, the DOE convened the fourth Nuclear Energy Workshop Series (NEWS) on 02 July 2026 in Clark, Pampanga, bringing together hundreds of representatives from distribution utilities in the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon, alongside officials from key energy agencies and members of the DOE led Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee.
Opening the workshop, Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, Co-Chairperson of the Nuclear Energy Program Coordinating Committee, underscored that preparing the country’s power sector extends well beyond the construction of nuclear power plants.
“The successful integration of nuclear power goes beyond infrastructure. It requires informed stakeholders, strong institutions, and coordinated action across the entire electricity value chain,” Undersecretary Bacordo said.
He emphasized that distribution utilities will play a critical role in ensuring that future nuclear generated electricity is delivered safely, efficiently, and reliably to Filipino consumers.
“Distribution utilities are at the forefront of power delivery, shaping demand, supporting system integration, and engaging directly with consumers. Their readiness will be essential as we prepare the country’s power sector for the future adoption of nuclear energy,” he added.
The workshop served as a platform to deepen participants’ understanding of the institutional, regulatory, technical, and infrastructure requirements necessary to support the safe deployment of nuclear power in the Philippines.
Through expert presentations, technical discussions, and stakeholder engagement sessions, participants examined the operational considerations and responsibilities of distribution utilities as the country’s nuclear energy program progresses.
DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino highlighted the strategic role of DUs in ensuring that the country’s power distribution system is ready to accommodate future nuclear-generated baseload capacity.
“Distribution utilities will play a crucial role in ensuring grid readiness for nuclear-generated baseload capacity. This includes coordinating system planning with the DOE and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, preparing for power flow and voltage management requirements, protecting consumer interests through transparent implementation, and continuously strengthening technical capabilities through capacity-building and nuclear safety awareness initiatives,” Director Aquino said. Participants likewise received updates on the country’s evolving nuclear governance and regulatory framework.
Health Physicist Darcy De Asis of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health and Research presented Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Safety Act, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Agency (PhilAtom) and strengthens the country’s independent nuclear safety and regulatory framework.
Meanwhile, Atty. Maria Christine Ching-Gotera of the DOE Legal Services discussed Department Circular No. 2025-10-0019, which establishes the policy framework for the country’s first commercial nuclear power plant, including its key provisions, implementation mechanisms, and implications for the power distribution sector.
The workshop also provided distribution utilities an opportunity to share operational insights, raise concerns, and recommend policy improvements. The DOE will use these inputs to further strengthen implementation strategies and ensure that the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program remains responsive to the needs of the power sector.
The Nuclear Energy Workshop Series forms part of the DOE’s continuing efforts to build technical capacity across the entire electricity industry, foster informed stakeholder participation, and strengthen institutional readiness as the country advances a safe, secure, peaceful, and responsible nuclear energy program. Previous NEWS sessions were conducted virtually with stakeholders from Cebu, Legazpi, lloilo, and Davao, with succeeding workshops scheduled to engage more distribution utilities and energy stakeholders nationwide.
“Preparing our power sector today means preparing Filipino consumers for a future powered by reliable, secure, and sustainable electricity. Through collaboration, capacity-building, and public trust, we are laying the foundation for the responsible adoption of nuclear energy as part of a resilient and diversified Philippine energy future,” Director Aquino said.
