US firm signs accords to develop nuke workforce in Phl

U.S.-based EōS Organization, a global leader in energy solutions, has signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to support the development of the Philippines’ civil nuclear workforce.

The agreements, signed Friday in Makati City, were made with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Philippines), as well as the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and the Valar Atomics Research Institute (VARI).

These partnerships align with the 123 Agreement on civil nuclear cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, signed in 2023.

Under the MOU with Fulbright Philippines, EōS will fund fellowships, training programs, and educational initiatives focused on nuclear energy.

The partnership will also facilitate exchange programs, giving Filipino students access to U.S. institutions specializing in nuclear science and engineering.

As part of its commitment, EōS is allocating USD400,000 to strengthen nuclear expertise in the country.

The second MOU with MSU-IIT and VARI aims to enhance academic infrastructure and research capabilities in nuclear engineering.

The collaboration includes the development of nuclear engineering curricula and integration with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s (PNRI) Coordinated Research Project.

Additionally, the agreement supports joint efforts between VARI and PNRI to develop advanced nuclear energy reactor prototypes in the Philippines.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson emphasized that these initiatives mark the first U.S. private sector investments in the country’s nuclear sector, highlighting their role in advancing energy security and economic growth.