Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco, long recognized as one of the country’s staunchest advocates of nuclear energy, spearheaded a town hall meeting in Labrador, Pangasinan to spark open dialogue on nuclear power as a solution to high electricity costs and as a catalyst for local development.
Held in partnership with Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla, and attended by local leaders and residents, the event placed Labrador in the spotlight as a potential host site for the Philippines’ first modern nuclear power plant.
Nuclear Power: Cheaper Electricity, Stronger Economy
Cojuangco emphasized that Labrador’s strategic location along Lingayen Gulf and the openness of its people make it an ideal candidate for nuclear development. More importantly, he highlighted the life-changing benefits for residents:
“With nuclear power, Labrador can access the cheapest and most reliable electricity in the country—down to PHP5/kWh. With the right framework, we can even extend free electricity for Labrador’s people. Imagine what that means: lower household bills, reduced farm and business costs, and a stronger foundation for local industries,” Cojuangco said.
He also pointed to the 2024 Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey, which showed strong nationwide support for nuclear energy—including in Bataan, home to the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant (PNPP-1). Cojuangco criticized the Department of Energy for initially withholding the results before finally releasing them in September 2025.
“The survey proves what we have long known: the people want cheaper electricity and stable jobs that nuclear power can provide,” he said.
Unlocking the Country’s Nuclear Assets
Cojuangco underscored the value of existing nuclear assets, including PNPP-1 in Morong, Bataan—which can still accommodate three additional 1,100 MW reactors, raising its potential to 3,920 MW. Complementary assets such as the Nuclear Village in Bagac, a high-voltage transmission line to Manila, and the CBK pumped storage facility add up to $2 billion in equity, which can be leveraged 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,” he explained.
Nuclear Power: Clean, Reliable, and Sustainable
Dr. Arcilla reinforced nuclear energy’s advantages, calling it both an economic and environmental solution:
“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.”
For Labrador’s residents, the impact is personal—lower household costs, more competitive businesses, and new opportunities for the youth through scholarships, technical training, and careers in nuclear science.
Mayor Noel Uson of Labrador expressed optimism:
“Labrador is ready to embrace this opportunity. It aligns with our vision of uplifting lives, raising our local economy, and strengthening infrastructure. We are committed to working hand in hand with partners who share this vision of clean and sustainable energy.”
The PhilAtom Bill: A Strong Foundation
Cojuangco also highlighted the significance of the newly enacted PhilAtom law, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority as the country’s independent nuclear regulator.
“With PhilAtom, we now have the institutional backbone to ensure nuclear energy is used safely, securely, and reliably. This framework assures global partners that the Philippines is ready for nuclear investment.”
A Global Movement, A Local Milestone
The Labrador town hall was held as part of this year’s Stand Up for Nuclear celebration, a global campaign promoting nuclear power in 32 countries, now on its seventh year in the Philippines. Organized locally by Alpas Pinas, the event emphasized nuclear energy as safe, clean, and essential for 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, Convenor of Alpas Pinas.
Taking Bold Steps Forward
As the Philippines continues to face some of the highest electricity costs in Asia, nuclear energy is emerging as a game-changer. Unlike renewables dependent on fossil fuel backup, nuclear provides continuous, reliable baseload power without greenhouse gas emissions.
For Cojuangco, the message is clear:
“If we want to break free from the cycle of expensive electricity, we must act boldly now. Nuclear energy is not just an option—it is a necessity for progress.”
