Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable source of power, recently convened youth leaders from various student organizations across the Philippines for this year’s Stand Up for Nuclear, the world’s first global initiative advocating for the protection and expansion of nuclear energy.
The conversation centered on the urgent need to incorporate nuclear energy into the country’s energy mix to ensure a sustainable future for the youth.
The intimate event, held at SinePop, Manila, featured Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Congressman Mark Cojuangco, who laid out the stark realities of the Philippines' current energy situation to students from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), and University of Santo Tomas (UST).
He emphasized how the country’s heavy reliance on coal and imported fuel sources is unsustainable and will lead to skyrocketing energy costs, which will impact the economic prospects of the younger generation.
“The Philippines is facing a major threat of losing our energy security if we don’t diversify our energy sources. If this issue isn't addressed soon, your generation will bear the brunt of this crisis,” said Cojuangco.
The event also debunked common misconceptions about nuclear energy, such as safety concerns and environmental impact. Students learned that, contrary to popular belief, modern nuclear power plants are designed with robust safety measures, making them among the safest energy sources available. The discussion highlighted the potential of nuclear energy to provide a reliable, low-carbon alternative that can complement other sources.
“We cannot rely on fossil fuels forever. The youth, as the future leaders of this country, must understand the science behind nuclear energy and its potential to transform our energy landscape,” said Cojuangco.
He also pointed out the environmental threats posed by continued reliance on fossil fuels, including the alarming rise in carbon emissions, which contribute to global climate change.
“If we don’t shift to cleaner energy sources like nuclear, we’ll not only face higher energy prices but also a worsening climate crisis. The environmental impact of fossil fuels is devastating, and we need to take urgent action to protect your future,” Cojuangco added.
Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza also reiterated the importance of engaging the public, especially the youth, about nuclear energy’s benefits. The organization encouraged the students to take an active role in advocating for policies that would allow the Philippines to explore nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy.
“We are calling on the youth to lead the charge in this advocacy. The future is in your hands, and it is your voices that will shape the direction of the country’s energy policy,” said Certeza.
This gathering is just the first of several planned by Alpas Pinas, aimed at engaging the youth in meaningful conversations about the country's energy challenges. By fostering education and collaboration, the organization hopes to encourage more open discussions around nuclear energy and its potential role in the Philippines’ energy transition.