US-based EoS inks accords for support of PH future nuclear energy workforce

US-based integrated energy solutions firm EoS Organization is supporting the development of civil nuclear energy in the Philippines through research, education, and training of the future workforce in the country's nuclear energy sector.

At a signing ceremony in Makati City on Friday, EoS Organization inked memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Fulbright Philippines and the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

In particular, Fulbright Philippines is collaborating with EoS to train the next generation of Filipino nuclear professionals through an MOU.

"The MOU between EoS and Fulbright Philippines is just the start of a journey toward economic security for both the United States and the Philippines. Banking on US expertise in civil nuclear energy and the Fulbright program, the partnership also highlights the importance of private sector investment in workforce development," said Julio Amador III, Fulbright's executive director.

Among the initiatives included in the partnership between EoS and Fulbright are the following:

• Establishing fellowships, training programs, and educational initiatives focused on nuclear energy
• Facilitating exchange programs that provide Filipino students access to U.S. institutions for specialized nuclear science and engineering training
• Allocating up to $400,000 to accelerate the growth of the Philippines' nuclear expertise

"By investing in educational pathways, we are ensuring that Filipino students are at the forefront of nuclear innovation," said Aaron Green, CEO of EoS Organization.

E?S also inked an MOU with MSU-IIT "to enhance academic infrastructure and research capabilities in nuclear engineering."

The collaboration between EoS and MSU-IIT includes the following:

• Develop nuclear engineering curricula to build a skilled workforce for the country's nuclear sector
• Integrate MSU-IIT's academic programs with PNRI's Coordinated Research Project (CRP), ensuring a key role in nuclear innovation

"We're laying down the stepping stones to a new era of nuclear science and engineering education here in the Philippines. With this MOU, MSU-IIT gets to offer these specialized curricular programs and prepare our students to be at the forefront of nuclear technology," said MSU-IIT Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan.

In her remarks, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described the MOUs as "direct outcome of our 123 Agreement."

Manila and Washington signed the "123 Agreement" in November 2023, which provides the legal framework for civil and nuclear-related investments, particularly in nuclear power, in the Philippines.

The accord allows the United States to export nuclear technology and material to its Southeast Asian ally. The pact took effect in July last year.

"These partnerships highlight the U.S. private sector's desire to work with the Philippines to build a local workforce that will drive the country's clean and secure energy future," Carlson said.

"Building a civil nuclear industry requires a skilled workforce to bring that technology to life and maintain it safely," she said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News