DOST 'not averse' to nuclear power

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is not averse to using nuclear power to boost energy supply in the country, DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro said on Thursday. “We’ve always been open to the possibility of nuclear power in the country," said Alabastro during the House budget briefing on the proposed budget for 2009. “We have no biases against it." “But this would have to be studied very thoroughly," she added. Alabastro said while the Department of Energy is currently studying the proposal to rehabilitate and utilize the 600-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, the DOST is willing to lend “technical support" in its inspection. The DOST has a Philippine Nuclear Research Institute which is mandated to undertake research and development activities in the safe, peaceful use of nuclear energy. Last June, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said that the DOE is eyeing local experts to undertake a feasibility study on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to help cope with the energy crisis. Catholic leaders, including Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz and Bataan bishop Socrates Villages, have criticized the DOE plan, saying nuclear power poses hazards on people and the environment. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV