In a bid to address the Philippines’ pressing energy challenges, Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization promoting nuclear energy as a sustainable power source, rallied youth leaders in this year’s Stand Up for Nuclear initiative. This global campaign aims to champion the protection and expansion of nuclear energy, positioning it as a critical solution for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Held at SinePop in Manila, the event brought together student leaders from institutions like the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), and University of Santo Tomas (UST). The discussion revolved around the potential of nuclear energy to diversify the country’s energy mix, ensuring energy security for future generations.
Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco headlined the event, shedding light on the Philippines’ heavy reliance on coal and imported fuel. He warned of the dire consequences if the country fails to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
“The Philippines faces a looming energy crisis. Without diversifying our energy sources, your generation will endure skyrocketing costs and instability,” Cojuangco cautioned.
He also challenged common misconceptions about nuclear energy, emphasizing its safety and environmental benefits. Modern nuclear power plants, Cojuangco noted, are designed with advanced safety features, making them one of the safest energy sources available.
“We cannot depend on fossil fuels forever. Nuclear energy offers a low-carbon, reliable alternative that can support other renewable sources and secure a sustainable energy future for the country,” he said.
The discussion also highlighted the environmental toll of fossil fuels, including rising carbon emissions and their contribution to climate change. Cojuangco stressed the urgency of shifting to cleaner energy sources to mitigate the climate crisis and protect future generations.
Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza reinforced the importance of youth involvement in the nuclear energy discourse. “The youth hold the power to shape the future of our energy policies. We need your voices to push for informed decisions that will ensure energy security and environmental sustainability,” she urged.
The event marked the beginning of a series of planned initiatives by Alpas Pinas to engage the public—particularly young Filipinos—in meaningful conversations about the country’s energy landscape. By fostering education and dialogue, the organization aims to dispel myths surrounding nuclear energy and encourage its inclusion in the Philippines’ energy strategy.
As the country grapples with mounting energy and environmental challenges, Alpas Pinas hopes to empower the next generation to lead the charge toward a sustainable, nuclear-inclusive energy future.
