Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s successful visit to the United States recently, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the potential investments brought in by the administration after a United States-based nuclear energy firm expressed its interest in investing in the Philippines.
In an ambush interview after his relief operation in Cavite City on Wednesday, May 3, Go cited that the proposed construction and operation of a nuclear power plant in the country can significantly address electricity woes, benefit the economy and lead to more job opportunities.
Additionally, Go expressed his confidence that with the increased availability of affordable and reliable electricity, the government would potentially attract investments from both domestic and international industries, leading to further economic growth.
“Unang una, congratulations at nagpapasalamat po tayo kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa kanyang successful trip po sa US. Alam n’yo more investments, more livelihood potentials and jobs, trabaho po para sa ating mga kababayan,” highlighted Go.
“Iyan po ang pinakaimportante sa ngayon, ang makapagbigay ng trabaho dahil kailangan may laman po ang tiyan ng ating mga kababayan. Malaking bagay po na nag-eengganyo tayo ng mga foreign investors na mamuhunan po dito sa ating bansa,” he added.
NuScale Power Corporation, a nuclear energy firm based in Oregon that is known for developing a safe modular, and scalable small nuclear power system, said that it is planning to conduct a study to locate a site in the Philippines.
The said project, according to the Presidential Communications Office, is expected to invest US$6.5 billion to US$7.5 billion (PhP415.5 billion) to provide 462 megawatts to the country by the early 2030’s.
Echoing President Marcos’ sentiment that some parts of the country continue to experience energy crises, Go expressed his concern that the demand for electricity may surge and the implementation of a nuclear power plant may potentially provide a viable solution.
Recognizing the potential benefits of nuclear energy, Go, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of balancing progress with safety precautions and public understanding.
The senator then underscored the importance of a well-informed citizenry to alleviate public concerns and misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy amid proposals to explore nuclear power sources.
“Speaking of nuclear power, in principle po, dapat po para sa akin, kung makakatulong sa karagdagang power po dito, maiwasan ang brownout, that is okay. Ngunit dapat ipaintindi sa mga kababayan natin what is nuclear power dahil kapag narinig po ng mga kababayan natin ‘nuclear’, nandiyan na po ang takot,” Go cited.
“Ang iniisip na agad nila (kapag narinig ang salitang) ‘nuclear’ (ay isang uri ng pampasabog). So dapat po ipaintindi ito at dapat po unahin ang safety. Kung safe ba itong gamitin itong nuclear power na ito. So ulitin ko, safety po ng ating mga kababayan ang dapat isaalang-alang natin, unahin natin ‘yung safety nila at dapat ay maintindihan nila kung ano talaga ito,” he stressed.