The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), formerly known as the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), is the sole government agency tasked with promoting and regulating the safe and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in the Philippines. Operating under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the PNRI has been serving the Filipino public since its establishment in 1958, ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation facilities to protect workers, the general public, and the environment.
Mandate and Vision
The PNRI is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Filipinos through nuclear research, specialized services, technology transfer, and stringent safety regulations. As outlined under Executive Order 128, s. 1987, the institute’s dual mandate includes:
- Promoting the peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
- Regulating the safe utilization of nuclear energy to protect public health and safety.
Address and Contact Information
- Address: M364+PW4, Commonwealth Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila
- Phone: (02) 8929 6011
History
The PNRI was established in 1958 as the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). On July 16, 1958, Colonel Florencio Medina, known as the “Father of Atomic Energy in the Philippines,” was sworn in as its first commissioner. In 1987, the PAEC was renamed the PNRI to reflect its broader focus on both research and regulation.
Recent Developments
On December 2, 2024, the DOST-PNRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI E-BEAM), marking a significant step in advancing radiation processing in the Philippines. This partnership aims to expand the use of cutting-edge nuclear technology for various applications, supported by PNRI’s expertise.
Leadership
The PNRI is currently led by Director Carlo A. Arcilla, who emphasized the importance of partnerships like the ISI E-BEAM collaboration as part of PNRI’s technology transfer initiatives.
Philippine Research Reactor-1 (PRR-1)
The Philippine Research Reactor-1 (PRR-1), located in Quezon City, is the country’s first and only nuclear reactor. Operational from 1963 to 1988, the reactor was dormant for 34 years before being revived as the Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education, and Research (SATER) in 2022. This facility continues to play a key role in training, education, and research in nuclear science.
Organizational Structure
The PNRI operates under a director, assisted by a deputy director, and is composed of five divisions:
Atomic Research Division
- Agriculture Research Section
- Biomedical Research Section
- Health Physics Research Section
- Applied Physics Research Section
- Chemistry Research Section
- Nuclear Materials Research Section
Nuclear Services Division
- Nuclear Reactor Operations Section
- Engineering Services Section
- Irradiation Services Section
- Nuclear Analytical Techniques and Applications Section
- Isotope Techniques Section
- Radiation Protection Services Section
Nuclear Regulatory Division
- Regulations and Standards Development Section
- Inspection and Enforcement Section
- Licensing, Review, and Evaluation Section
- Nuclear Safeguards and Security Section
- Radiological Impact Assessment Section
Finance and Administrative Division
- Budget Section
- Cash Section
- Accounting Section
- Property and Procurement Section
- Human Resources and Management Section
- Records and Communication Section
- General Services Section
Technology Diffusion Division
- International Cooperation Section
- Nuclear Training Center
- Nuclear Information and Documentation Section
- Management Information System Section
- Business Development Section
A total of 263 permanent positions make up the PNRI organization, enabling it to fulfill its research, regulatory, and service mandates.
Key Functions
As mandated under Executive Order 128, s. 1987, the PNRI performs the following functions:
- Conduct research and development on the applications of radiation and nuclear techniques, materials, and processes.
- Facilitate the transfer of research findings to end-users through technical training and extension services.
- Operate and maintain nuclear research reactors and other radiation facilities.
- License and regulate activities related to the production, transfer, and utilization of radioactive substances.
Affiliations
PNRI collaborates with various organizations to further its goals, including:
- Philippine Society for Non-Destructive Testing
- Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI E-BEAM)
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