Cusi: Scientific Assessment of Going Nuclear Shouldn't Be Taboo

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PH NUCLEAR TEAM:

PH NUCLEAR TEAM: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (center), together with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Division Director Dohee Han and the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) members headed by Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos, gather for a photo after the morning session of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission held on Monday, 10 December, at the Makati Shangri-La, Manila hotel. "The more we learned about nuclear energy, the more open we became about it," Cusi said in his keynote address.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted Monday (10 December) the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INRI) Mission at the Shangri-La Makati hotel as part of the activities of the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).

“In the spirit of technology neutrality, I decided to reignite the discourse on nuclear power despite its being taboo,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi underscored.

He also highlighted that the Philippines has ranked first among 125 countries in the Energy Trilemma Index of the World Energy Council in the last four years, with a renewable energy share of 24.6% in the country's generation mix.

However, the DOE chief expressed his concern over the country trailing behind in terms of energy security and energy equity, which are the two other dimensions of the Energy Trilemma. The Philippines placed 70th on energy security and came in at 96th place for energy equity.

Thus, the DOE is openly considering the feasibility of introducing nuclear power into the energy mix of the country in the race to provide uninterrupted, secure, reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity throughout the archipelago. This would also improve the country’s over-all Energy Trilemma Index rank, which currently stands at 74th out of 125 countries.

At the onset of the Duterte Administration, the DOE has adopted a technology neutral approach to allow the unhindered consideration of all options to achieve the energy goals of the Philippines.

The nuclear event serves as the country’s status report to the IAEA of progress made relative to the 19 infrastructure issues that need to be addressed before the Philippines is able to embark on a full nuclear energy program.

The event was attended by IAEA Nuclear Division Director Dohee Han; IAEA Review Team Leader Milko Kovachev; other IAEA personalities and partners from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI); and members of the NEPIO headed by DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

The country’s initial undertakings on the nuclear energy option with the support of IAEA and PNRI include the establishment of NEPIO in 2016 and the DOE’s submission to the Office of the President of its proposed national position on nuclear energy in April 2018.

The energy chief assures the public that the government will continue to apply a calculated and scientific approach in evaluating the feasibility of nuclear energy for power generation, and ensure that the nuclear policy of the country will be comprehensive and sound, especially in terms of safety.

Sec. Cusi concluded, “We need to make the Philippines energy secure and equitable in the midst of ever-growing demand. We need to generate inclusive and sustainable economic development and make the country globally competitive.”

OTHER PHOTO:

NUCLEAR OPTION: During the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission held on Monday, 10 December, at Makati Shangri-La, Manila Hotel, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (center) highlighted the country's achievements on environmental sustainability. He stressed that a nuclear option could answer the country's lag in energy security and energy equity. The event on nuclear initiatives was attended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headed by Nuclear Division director Dohee Han (left), and the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) members headed by Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos (right).

EQUITABLE POWER: During his keynote address at the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission held on Monday, 10 December, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi emphasized that the country's archipelagic geography makes the pursuit of total electrification a most challenging endeavor. In areas that do have access to power, the costs are high. He explained that a comprehensive nuclear program could help find solutions to this matter.

Make Money While Traveling: 6 How-To Tips

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Traveling is a great way to get out there and see the world, but sadly you still need to earn some money if you want to do stuff. Take a look at our top 6 tips, and see for yourself just how easy it is to keep your wallet nice and full.

Look for work in bars and hostels
Every bar in the world is on the lookout for young energetic staff, so why not be one of them? Better still, you’ll come across plenty of hotels with bars that will offer you free accommodation as part of the deal. Can’t say fairer than that can you?


Find work as an au pair so you can meet more of the locals

If you want to integrate with the locals, then working as a nanny or au pair is a great way to go about it. There is plenty of work in most countries around the world, and it’ll allow you an up close and personal look at how the locals live. You never know, they may invite you around for a traditional dinner from time to time too!


If you’re in a non-English speaking country, use your language skills to work as a guide

Tour guides are always in short supply in tourist hotspots, especially ones who are fluent in English. Use your in-demand native tongue to your advantage by working as a tour guide for a few weeks. You’ll be sure to earn a good return for your hard work.

Not only that, but you’ll get to spend your time socializing and walking about in the sun. What could be a better way to get paid than that?


Fruit picking is a great way to earn some money outdoors in the summer

If you love the outdoors, then picking fruit with the sun on your back is a great way to go about it. Granted, it’s highly seasonal work, but so is travel for the large part!

Find a spot in a stunning bit of countryside and you’ll be sure of a couple of months of consistent hours. In sunnier climates a lot of pickers work early in the morning to beat the sun. This makes it the perfect job if you want to take a siesta and then head out into town in the early evening. 


Use online tools to write when you’re on your travels

Services like Trust My Paper are great for the writers amongst you, because they enable you to earn money without being tied to a specific geographical location. You’ll need to make sure you have a power outlet and reliable internet connection to hand, so don’t venture too deep into the jungle!

That said, with a little organization and focus, you’ll be able to cover all of your travel expenses in just a couple of hours a day. Ideal if you want to ensure you have more than enough time to go and see the sights before sunset.


Teach English as a foreign language

The final top tip that we have for you today, is to consider working as a foreign language teacher. Learning English is big business all around the world, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

By using one of your skills to earn money, you can get paid for doing something that comes naturally to you. Ideal if you want to be able to enjoy your time abroad, safe in the knowledge that you’ll never find it hard to earn the money you need to go and do things.

Final Thoughts
Earning money on your travels is all about identifying the skills you have which will allow you to earn money on a consistent basis as you move from place to place. With a little planning and foresight you should be able to ensure that you never run low on funds.

Joey Concepcion Recognized as One of the Outstanding Filipinos

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Hailed as this year’s outstanding Filipino, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion was recognized in his sterling contribution in the advancement of the micro, small and medium enterprises in the Philippines and elevates the entrepreneurship spirit through programs of prosperity for all.

Concepcion was among the four eminent personalities in the country that was awarded in the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFIL) held in Quezon City last December 5.

Among the awardees were Fr. Benigno P. Beltran for Community and Humanitarian Service; Congressman Raul V. Del Mar for Public Service; and Dr. Hilly Ann Maria Roa-Quiaoit for Environmental Conservation.

Conceived in 1988, TOFIL Award is an annual event and an honor given by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Philippines to distinguished Filipino men and women, 41 years of age and over, whose exemplary achievements are worthy of emulation.

Embodying this year’s theme, “Leaving a Legacy for a Better Philippines,” the awardees substantiate Filipinos’ valuable contributions that resulted to upliftment of the lives of many and led to the enhancement of the country. Through this, they transfigure symbol of excellence in community service and later on humanize the institutions belief that "service to humanity is the best work of life."