Intl atomic agency chief completes visit to PHL

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano completed an official three-day visit to the Philippines Saturday where he met government officials for technical cooperation projects. Amano paid a courtesy call on DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo Thursday night at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to discuss the Philippines' role in the IAEA, particularly in the promotion of peaceful uses for nuclear energy. "The Philippines played a critical leadership role in the multilateral stage with its Presidency of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May 2010, which dealt with issues relating to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, non-proliferation as well as disarmament," the DFA said in its website. During his visit, Amano also met with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras. The Philippine officials discussed the country's activities with the IAEA, specifically the latter's provision of training assistance and equipment for Philippine scientists. Amano also received a briefing from by Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde on the Philippines' cancer control program. He visited the Dr. Jose Fabella Reyes Medical Center to inspect its radiotherapy facilities. "The Department of Health is looking at expanding its cooperation with the IAEA in the area of cancer radiotherapy though regular training for Philippine health professionals in cancer research and treatment," the DFA said. During his visit, Amano delivered the keynote address during the closing ceremonies of the Atomic Energy Week celebration of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Amano also visited the La Mesa Dam Watershed and inspected a Water Availability Enhancement Project being implemented by different government agencies, with the National Water Resources Board as lead. The IAEA identified the Philippines as an excellent pilot Member State for the project in consideration of its expertise and activities in this area. In June 2010, the country was re-designated as an IAEA Collaborating Center on the application of nuclear techniques in harmful algal bloom studies, more popularly known as "red tide," that has made a significant contribution in addressing this problem that affects marine resources. Amano also had a site visit of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). "In addition to the science and technology area, the Philippines benefits from the activities undertaken by the Agency under its safety and security pillar, particularly in the review and assessment of the possible rehabilitation of the plant. The Agency can also assist the Philippines if and when the Government decides to include nuclear power generation in its present energy mix," the DFA said. The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. It serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear power worldwide. Its programs encourage the development of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology, provide international safeguards against misuse of nuclear technology and nuclear materials, and promote nuclear safety (including radiation protection) and nuclear security standards and their implementation. The IAEA also assists its Member States in the utilization of nuclear science and technology for development through its Technical Cooperation Program. Since it joined the Agency on September 2, 1958, the Philippines has been an active member of the IAEA in its three pillars of work: nuclear verification, science and technology, and promotional activities. - TJD, GMANews.TV