Occidental Mindoro nuke energy eyed

THE utilization of nuclear energy is being eyed to address the shortage of electricity in Occidental Mindoro.

Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, an advocate for nuclear energy and recipient of the American Nuclear Society Distinguished Public Service Award, recently conducted public consultation at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, to open discussions on utilizing nuclear energy to address the power crisis in the province.

Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

As part of the project of the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy by the House of Representatives, the consultation focused on the decadelong energy crisis that Occidental Mindoro is facing, hindering the province’s economic growth. It also aimed to address misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy and underscore its benefits.

Cojuangco said that the time has come for stakeholders to “be in control of the power and energy we use, not the other way around.” He maintained that tolerance for the lack of forward movement will leave “no room for progress.” However, “with nuclear energy, the chance for development will be for all.”

For his part, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela highlighted that the province’s energy situation has significantly impeded the growth of local industries, which is a major factor in the 20-percent poverty rate in Occidental Mindoro.

“While the LGU (local government unit) enacted reforms to support key industries to alleviate poverty, the power situation has continued to hinder these efforts,” said Tarriela.

Cojuangco gave an assurance on the reliability of nuclear energy, emphasizing how this energy source can stand on its own without needing any backup, unlike renewable energy which still requires coal as a backup power source. He also highlighted that nuclear energy is a cleaner alternative as it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

He added that the benefits provided by nuclear energy are “understated.” On the other hand, its potential “extends far beyond providing a reliable power source; it is a catalyst for economic transformation.”

Cojuangco is eyeing to visit more provinces like Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Zamboanga del Sur and Sarangani.