Labrador, Pangasinan October 04, 2025 - Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco, a staunch advocate of nuclear energy and principal author of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) Bill, spearheaded a townhall meeting in the Municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan to open public dialogue on nuclear power as a solution to the country's high electricity costs and as a pathway to the town's economic development.
The townhall, held with the participation of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla and attended by local government officials and residents of Labrador, placed nuclear energy at the center of discussions about sustainable growth. The gathering also underscored Labrador's potential to become a host site for the country's first modern nuclear power plant.
For Cojuangco, Labrador's strategic location along Lingayen Gulf and the openness of its people make it a strong candidate for nuclear development. More importantly, he said, the benefits to the town and its residents could be transformative.
"With nuclear power, Labrador can access the cheapest and most reliable electricity in the country, down to PHP5/kWh. In fact, with the right framework, we can even extend free electricity for the people of Labrador. Imagine what that means: lower household bills, reduced farm and business costs, and a stronger foundation for local industries," Cojuangco said.
Cojuangco also cited the recently released 2024 Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey on Nuclear Energy, which showed strong public acceptance of nuclear power nationwide, including in Bataan where the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant (PNPP-1) is located. He expressed dismay that the Department of Energy (DOE) had initially embargoed the results before finally releasing them to the public in September 2025.
"The survey proves what many of us have known all along-the people want cheaper electricity and stable jobs that nuclear power can provide," he said.
He further underscored that PNPP-1 is not just a single facility but represents the country's valuable nuclear assets. The PNPP-1 site in Morong, Bataan can still accommodate three additional reactors of 1,100 MW each, bringing the total potential capacity there to 3,920 MW. Alongside this are other valuable nuclear assets such as the Nuclear Village in Bagac, the high-voltage transmission line to Manila, and the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) pumped storage facility. Together, these assets are valued at around $2 billion that can serve as equity to leverage financing for new plants.
"At PHP5/kWh, such facilities could generate over PHP154 billion annually while saving at least $1.5 billion in foreign exchange from avoided coal and LNG imports," Cojuangco explained.
Dr. Arcilla reinforced these points, stressing that nuclear energy offers both stability and environmental responsibility. "Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest, cheapest, and most reliable energy sources available today. By embracing nuclear power, we can secure affordable electricity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring that development comes hand in hand with environmental stewardship," he added.
The dialogue also gave residents the chance to hear how nuclear power could reshape their everyday lives. Access to cheaper energy promises to reduce household expenses and cut costs for farmers and entrepreneurs, making local businesses more competitive. For Labrador's youth, the project could open opportunities for scholarships, technical training, and careers in nuclear science and related industries, ensuring that the benefits extend to the next generation.
Labrador Pangasinan Mayor Noel Uson expressed optimism about the town's prospects should it become a host community for nuclear power. "Labrador is ready to embrace this opportunity. We welcome this initiative because it aligns with our vision of raising our local economy, improving infrastructure, and uplifting the lives of our people. We are committed to working hand in hand with partners who share this vision of clean and sustainable energy," Uson said.
Cojuangco used the town hall to highlight the significance of the recently enacted PhilAtom bill, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority as the country's independent nuclear regulator. He emphasized that with the law in place, the Philippines now has the legal and institutional backbone needed to govern nuclear energy reliably, attract international vendors, and enforce strict safety standards.
"With the signing of the PhilAtom, we now have the institutional foundation to ensure the safe, secure, and reliable use of nuclear energy. This enables us not just to promise cheaper electricity, but to deliver it under a solid regulatory framework that global partners and investors can trust," he said.
As the Philippines continues to struggle with some of the highest electricity costs in Asia, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a game-changing alternative. Unlike renewables that require backup from fossil fuels, nuclear can provide continuous baseload power without greenhouse gas emissions.
For Cojuangco, the urgency is clear, stating, "If we want to break free from the cycle of expensive electricity, we must take bold steps now. Nuclear energy is not just an option; it is a necessity for progress.
The town hall drew strong participation from Labrador residents and local officials, reflecting the community's openness to nuclear power as a path toward affordable electricity and local development.
The Labrador town hall is part of this year's Stand Up for Nuclear celebration, organized in the Philippines by Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nuclear energy as a clean and sustainable source of power. Stand Up for Nuclear is a global movement advocating the use of nuclear energy for a sustainable, clean energy future. It is celebrated in 32 countries, and this year marks the Philippines' seventh participation in the campaign.
"This is what Alpas Pinas has always stood for helping Filipinos understand that nuclear energy is safe, clean, and a key to progress. What we witnessed in Labrador today is genuine excitement about how cheaper, more reliable electricity can transform lives and uplift the community," said Gayle Certeza, Alpas Pinas Convenor.
