Alpas Pinas, a non-profit organization advocating for nuclear energy as a clean, safe, and sustainable power source, called on the country’s next generation of engineers to help shape the Philippines’ nuclear future. The appeal was made during the 15th Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) Students’ National Conference, where hundreds of engineering students from universities nationwide gathered.
Speaking before the crowd, Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza underscored the urgency of embracing nuclear energy and the vital role of young Filipino engineers in leading this transformative shift. “We may have run out of time to be afraid. We need nuclear now, and we need Filipino engineers ready to make it happen,” she said.
Certeza opened her session by breaking common misconceptions about nuclear energy, emphasizing that advancements in technology have made it one of the safest, most efficient, and most sustainable energy sources in the world. She explained that nuclear waste is now solid, securely contained, and strictly managed, while modern reactors are governed by rigorous global safety standards that ensure reliability and environmental responsibility.
She also cited the momentum in the country’s energy landscape, pointing to the passage of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) Bill—a landmark legislation establishing a robust framework for the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technology. “The passage of the PhilAtom Bill is a strong signal that the Philippines is serious about exploring nuclear power. But to make this vision a reality, we need people who understand the science and can make it happen,” she said.
Certeza’s message centered on nuclear education and workforce readiness. She urged the academe and industry leaders to collaborate in developing specialized programs that will train Filipino engineers for careers in nuclear science and engineering. She encouraged students to advocate for the inclusion of nuclear-related courses in their schools, describing it as an essential step toward building the nation’s pool of nuclear experts.
While the Philippines has yet to formally revive a Nuclear Engineering degree program, Certeza pointed out that opportunities already exist for students who wish to specialize in the field. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) offer various training and scholarship programs, including international study grants. She also encouraged students to take advantage of free online courses from prestigious global institutions like MIT and Harvard, and to follow ongoing local research initiatives led by PNRI and Alpas Pinas.
“Nuclear is experiencing a global renaissance, and now is the best time for young Filipinos to catch that wave and be part of it,” she said.
Certeza also reminded the audience that even without a nuclear-specific degree, engineering graduates can build meaningful careers in the sector. As the Philippines explores its path toward nuclear energy, opportunities will continue to expand for engineers equipped with the skills and drive to contribute to this emerging field.
The session concluded with optimism as student leaders expressed their enthusiasm for the country’s clean energy future. “As future engineers, we understand that the energy decisions we make today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. Being part of this conversation allows us to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the table,” said Paolo Zonio, PSME Student Natcon Chair.
Certeza ended her message with a challenge to the youth: “The world of nuclear is opening up, and your generation is right at the center of it. Pick up the ball and run with it. Let’s make nuclear a part of that future.”