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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST nuclear project to lower cost of cancer diagnosis underway

DOST nuclear project to lower cost of cancer diagnosis underway

Published Aug 28, 2025 01:59 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a nuclear-powered equipment that could serve as an alternative, cheaper way to diagnose cancer patients.
Scientist using digital tablet working in modern medical research laboratory, analyzing DNA information. Medicine, biotechnology research in advanced pharma lab, examining virus evolution
Scientist using digital tablet working in modern medical research laboratory, analyzing DNA information. Medicine, biotechnology research in advanced pharma lab, examining virus evolution
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is developing a nuclear-powered equipment that could serve as an alternative, cheaper way to diagnose cancer patients.
Carlo Arcilla, director of DOST’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), revealed during the agency's budget hearing Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27 that they are now building a facility for this program, "to make the cost of cancer diagnosis affordable to Filipinos".
He said they have already bought a cyclotron, an atomic-charged apparatus, for this purpose.
Arcilla bared the DOST’s efforts on the matter as the House Committee on Appropriations tackled their proposed budget for 2026.
During the appropriations panel hearing, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares inquired about DOST programs on nuclear energy development as he raised concern on the high cost of energy in the Philippines.
Arcilla said DOST’s biggest nuclear budget allocation was on nuclear medicine.
“We have a P2.2 billion project ongoing to lower the cost of cancer diagnosis, which can only be done by nuclear medicine, to lower the cost of PET CT scans,” he said.
Cyclotron, in tandem with PET-CT scanning, can provide better imaging and are far more reliable for detecting cancer than conventional CT scans, MRI, ultrasound or blood testing, according to DOST in its previous statements.
Meanwhile, Arcilla said the agency has also provided laboratories to several schools that might offer nuclear engineering as the Philippines developed the first subcritical research reactor called SATER.
"And then also, there's a development. We have a research partnership with an American company, Valar Atomics to develop, to develop an advanced TRISO fuel reactor," he said.
"Last month, President Trump wanted to accelerate the construction of advanced reactors, because we're talking about AI. AI will need a lot of energy, and many of the companies in the US want their own reactors for their AI operations," he added.
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