Labrador, Pangasinan—The town of Labrador has joined the global “Stand Up for Nuclear” movement as local leaders, energy advocates, and residents gathered to express support for the development of nuclear power in the Philippines.
The event, part of an international campaign held annually in major cities, highlighted Labrador’s potential role as a host site for a proposed 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant estimated to cost $4 billion. If approved, the project is expected to employ a 65-percent local workforce and generate significant economic activity in the area.
Speakers at the meeting discussed the passage of Republic Act 12305, which established the Philippine Atomic Authority (PhilAtom) as the country’s new independent nuclear regulator. The law mandates the creation of a trust fund—set at five centavos per kilowatt-hour—for nuclear waste disposal and plant decommissioning. It also defines clear criteria for appointing key officials to ensure professional oversight and compliance with international safety standards.
The discussion also touched on the pending Nuclear Liability Bill (House Bill 375), which seeks to clarify liability, incentives, and equity issues related to nuclear power projects. Proponents said the measure could yield up to $2 billion in economic benefits for the country.
Participants were encouraged to secure letters of support from Labrador residents, urging the government to consider the town as a viable host site. They also discussed the proposed plant’s seismic design basis of 0.7 G, higher than the standard 0.4 G, to ensure safety in the seismically active region.
The event underscored how Labrador’s engagement could position it at the forefront of the Philippines’ shift to cleaner and more reliable energy, aligning with international efforts to use nuclear power as a driver of both prosperity and environmental sustainability.
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