By Komfie Manalo
Engagements between the Philippines and the United States are expected to "increase in tempo," with the 123 Agreement, or the US-Philippines "Civil Nuclear Coop" ration Agreement, coming into force early this month.
Visiting US Nuclear Regulatory Commission chair Christopher Hanson said that the US government remains firm on its commitment under the 123 Agreement even if there will be changes in their administration over the years.
"We're going to see an increase in the tempo of US engagement on nuclear safety aspects. On the other hand, you will see a real uptick in commercial interest and companies coming to the Philippines and wanting to explore with the government how they might deploy nuclear power. But I think we'll see that perhaps later," he added.
Hanson said that the US government remains firm on its commitment under the 123 Agreement even if there will be changes in their administration over the years.
He added that his office also prioritizes the Philippines in terms of assisting in developing the regulatory framework for the country's nuclear energy sector.
As the US-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement entered into force on July 2, the US official is in the Philippines for a two-day visit to meet with local authorities to discuss ways forward, particularly in drafting the regulatory framework for using nuclear technologies.
Hanson already met with Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Undersecretary Sharon Garin, wherein discussions focused on the government's ambitions and plans to develop nuclear power plants.
He also met with Rep. Mark Cojuangco, chairperson of the House of Representatives Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, who discussed the enabling legislation for developing the country's nuclear sector.
Hanson is also set to visit the Makati Medical Center to see the medical uses of radioactive materials, especially in cancer care.
He will have a meeting at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute on Friday.
"As long as I'm in this position, assistance to the Philippines will be a priority. I can tell you that civil nuclear cooperation agreements like 123 Agreements are designed to last across multiple administrations," Hanson said.
"It's my strong hope that if there's a change in administration in the United States, our commitment will remain firm."
Hanson said the US and the Philippine governments would conduct activities, such as workshops, to help the country develop its policies and regulations in the nuclear sector.
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