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DOE taps OECD-NEA expertise to develop PH's nuke energy
MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) has tapped the expertise of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD-NEA) to help achieve its goals under the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DOE said Secretary Raphael Lotilla and OECD-NEA Director General William Magwood IV met in Taguig City on Feb. 24 to discuss the country's nuclear energy developments.
The DOE said OECD-NEA’s expertise would be instrumental as the government aims to integrate nuclear power into the country's energy mix by introducing 1,200 megawatts from nuclear energy technologies by 2032.
"Much of our work has focused on building a strong legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy. We have made significant progress in submitting all necessary requirements for the ratification of existing nuclear energy-related agreements, paving the way for a safe, sustainable, and responsible nuclear energy program that will secure our nation's energy future," Lotilla said.
He likewise highlighted the country’s significant milestones, such as adopting a clear national policy on nuclear energy through Executive Order 164 and receiving recognition from the International Atomic Energy Agency in December 2024.
However, Lotilla also cited challenges, such as rising nuclear project costs and persisting issues in the supply chain.
Meanwhile, Magwood praised the Philippines’ progress and pledged continued support from OECD-NEA in overcoming these challenges by providing technical expertise and developing the local workforce.
“We are working with many countries in making practical decisions and we look forward to working with you. That is why I’m here — to be of help and to establish a very positive relationship with you,” the DOE statement quoted him as telling Lotilla. (PNA)
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TESDA: Tourism, agri, electronics courses in demand
MANILA – An official of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on Wednesday said tourism, agriculture, and electronics courses are in demand, citing the many employment opportunities in these fields.
"Number one, tourism. When we talk about tourism, there's promotion, accommodation, tour guides, development of crafts and souvenirs. Events are also covered by the tourism sector," TESDA Deputy Director General Nelly Dillera said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.
She added that tourism courses could also lead the graduates to work on cruise ships, whether in kitchen production or front office, and housekeeping.
The second in demand course based on TESDA enrollees is agriculture-related courses.
Dillera said many are becoming interested in aquaponics and food production to supply the needs of their households and perhaps some companies.
She said electronics is also on trend now, as graduates could enter the fields of mechatronics and advanced manufacturing.
Dillera noted that to further aid the enrollees, TESDA has partnered with industries so the students could undergo enterprise-based training and get the chance to be absorbed by those firms.
Partner industries also provide inputs such as labor market demand in particular subsectors.
"They provide all those information, and TESDA can respond in terms of providing scholarship for those subsectors," she said.
The industry also updates TESDA regarding new trends so the agency could incorporate these in the competency standard and modules, Dillera said. (PNA)
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