Pangasinan Town Embraces the Idea of a Nuclear Power Plant
In a move that highlights growing national interest in diversified energy sources, the town of Labrador in Pangasinan has signaled openness to hosting a nuclear power facility. The development comes on the heels of the Philippines passing Republic Act 12305, known as the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (PhilAtom Law), a measure intended to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy across the country.
What the PhilAtom Law Means for Local Communities
Municipal leaders say the new law addresses key concerns about safety, security, and safeguards. Mayor Noel Uson stated that Labrador supports the broader goal of expanding energy options, while Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza underscored the importance of robust security measures to manage potential risks associated with nuclear technology.
“Security measures are essential to manage the risks associated with nuclear technology. So, these are also our considerations,” Yaneza said, reflecting a careful balance between opportunity and risk at the local level.
The Law, the Regulator, and the Path to Safe Nuclear Energy
PhilAtom Law creates the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory and Safety Authority (PhilATOM), an independent regulator tasked with overseeing all nuclear and radiation activities in the country. According to Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, the law establishes safeguards modeled on international best practices to protect people and materials.
Arcilla emphasized that the regulator’s mandate includes licensing for construction and, subsequently, operation, ensuring that facilities are safe before they begin and continue to operate under stringent standards. He noted that exploring nuclear energy requires meticulous compliance with safety and security frameworks, and that international guidance from bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should steer national rules.
Costs, Benefits, and National Energy Security
Representative Mark Cojuangco, who authored the PhilAtom Law, framed nuclear energy as a path toward cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity. He argued that the adoption of nuclear power could significantly reduce coal imports, bolster energy independence, and spur job creation. In his view, the law represents the first step toward long-term savings and resilience against global energy price shocks.
In Labrador and other communities, residents’ attitudes toward a nuclear plant are shaped by expectations of economic benefits alongside the need for strict safety protocols. Notably, a public sentiment described as favorable includes support in some parts of Labrador, where residents reportedly backed the project in exchange for electricity subsidies. These local views will be weighed alongside national planning, environmental assessments, and regulatory due diligence as steps toward any potential project move forward.
National and Global Dimensions
Beyond national energy considerations, PhilAtom Law positions the Philippines as a credible, responsible participant in the global nuclear landscape. The act provides a formal point of contact for nuclear and radiological emergencies and strengthens international relationships in safety and emergency response. As the country seeks to diversify its energy mix, the regulatory framework under PhilATOM aims to align Philippine practice with IAEA standards, reducing risks while pursuing growth in the sector.
What Comes Next for Labrador and the Philippines
Local governments like Labrador’s will continue to weigh community readiness, environmental stewardship, and the social license to operate as discussions about siting, infrastructure, and safety continue. While the PhilAtom Law removes several regulatory hurdles, it also imposes rigorous oversight to ensure any nuclear facility contributes to a stable and resilient energy future. The coming years are likely to see further consultations, feasibility studies, and potentially more dramatic debates about how to balance economic development with the highest levels of public safety.
Ultimately, the Labrador example illustrates a broader national moment: the Philippines is staking a claim to a diversified energy future, backed by a regulatory regime designed to protect people, promote transparency, and advance energy security through responsible nuclear energy adoption.
