Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco, a vocal advocate for nuclear energy and recipient of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Distinguished Public Service Award, recently convened a public consultation in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The aim was to ignite a conversation about the potential integration of nuclear energy as a viable solution to the persistent energy woes faced by the province.
As a crucial initiative of the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy by the House of Representatives, the consultation centered around the decade-long energy crisis that has hampered Occidental Mindoro’s economic growth. Cojuangco’s mission extended to dispelling misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy and highlighting its numerous benefits.
Hon. Leody “Odie” Tarriela, the District Representative of Occidental Mindoro underscored the detrimental impact of the energy situation on local industries. The power shortage has been a significant obstacle to the region’s economic progress, resulting in an enduringly high average poverty rate exceeding 20% — a figure among the highest not only in MIMAROPA but also nationwide.
For Cojuangco, the urgency of incorporating nuclear energy into the national energy mix becomes even more evident in the face of this challenging scenario. He contends that nuclear energy offers a clean, cost-effective, and reliable alternative that could serve as a catalyst for transformative change.
“It is now the time that we realize that we should be in control of the power and energy we use, not the other way around. If we continue tolerating this dire situation, there will be no room for progress. With nuclear energy, the chance for development will be for all. All these benefits are understated. The potential of nuclear energy extends far beyond providing a reliable power source; it is a catalyst for economic transformation. By embracing nuclear energy, we not only address Occidental Mindoro’s immediate power crisis but pave the way for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and a brighter future for the province. Through informed discussions and collaborative efforts, we can unlock the true potential of Nuclear Energy and secure a lasting solution for Occidental Mindoro’s energy challenges,” said Cojuangco.
Mindoro’s electric cooperative reported a staggering total electricity demand of 151 million kWh in 2023. Despite efforts to source electricity from the Luzon grid, the escalating demand threatens sustainability.
Cojuangco emphasized the reliability of nuclear energy, asserting its capacity to operate autonomously without requiring backup, in contrast to renewable energy sources that often depend on coal. He also stressed the environmental benefits of nuclear energy, citing its minimal greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as a practical solution to address climate change in the country. The gentleman from Pangasinan assured us that safety would be prioritized during the development phase.
The public consultation drew participation from local government officials and residents of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Cojuangco now has plans to extend this dialogue to other provinces, including Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Saranggani. His overarching goal is to foster a nationwide discourse on the potential integration of nuclear energy as a pivotal element in the country’s energy landscape.