US firms sign MOUs to strengthen nuclear wWorkforce development in PH

Two US-based organizations have formalized agreements to support the growth of civil nuclear expertise in the Philippines, building on the 123 Agreement between the United States and the Philippines signed in 2023.

E%u014DS Organization, a global leader in advanced energy solutions, inked memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), known as Fulbright Philippines, as well as with the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and Valar Atomics Research Institute (VARI).

The agreements, signed Friday in Makati City, aim to establish educational programs, research partnerships, and infrastructure support to develop the country’s future nuclear energy workforce.

The MOU with Fulbright Philippines will fund fellowships, training programs, and student exchanges to provide Filipino students access to US institutions specializing in nuclear science and engineering. E%u014DS has committed USD400,000 toward these efforts.

“Through fellowships, training programs, and exchange initiatives, we are equipping Filipino students with the expertise needed to lead the nuclear energy sector,” said Aaron Green, founder and CEO of E%u014DS. “This partnership is not just about education — it’s about securing economic and energy stability for both the Philippines and the United States."

Meanwhile, the partnership with MSU-IIT and VARI will focus on developing nuclear engineering curricula, strengthening research capabilities, and integrating academic efforts with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s (PNRI) Coordinated Research Project.

VARI President Kip Mock emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “This project will place the Philippines in the global race to employ advanced small modular and meltdown-proof reactors for energy security and climate resilience.”

Mock added that these partnerships mark the first step toward achieving affordable, abundant, and clean energy in the country.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson hailed the agreements as the first private sector commitments from US firms in the Philippine nuclear energy sector.

“This is a direct outcome of our 123 Agreement and the Philippine International Civil Nuclear Supply Chain Forum that we co-hosted last year,” Carlson said, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations in energy innovation and security.