Gicel Roger Salvilla, News, Communication Management Office
Educators, students, and energy advocates gathered to examine the transformative role of nuclear energy in addressing the world's growing energy demands during the "Learning from American Leadership: Nuclear Energy for the Philippine Educators – A Freedom 250 Lecture," organized by the College of Engineering and the International Relations Office, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, on June 30, 2026, at Recto Hall, South Wing Building, with simultaneous livestreaming via Facebook Live.
The lecture brought together faculty members from the College of Engineering and the College of Science, alongside students from the university and delegates from various higher education institutions across the country. Also present were Dr. Remedios Ado, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Mr. Chad Kinnear, Deputy Director for Public Engagement of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in advancing science education and sustainable energy initiatives.
Serving as the keynote speaker was Dr. Kelle Barfield, Nuclear Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, who challenged participants to critically examine long-standing assumptions surrounding nuclear energy and to approach the subject through evidence-based understanding rather than public misconceptions.
"I want to challenge you today in your minds—disregard assumptions about public support or opposition. Open your minds to the potential of nuclear and the support that we're getting," Dr. Barfield emphasized.
Throughout the lecture, Dr. Barfield presented the increasing significance of nuclear energy in achieving energy security, particularly as Southeast Asia prepares for unprecedented growth in electricity consumption.
She noted that global energy demand across the ASEAN region is expected to increase dramatically over the next fifteen years, making the exploration of diversified, reliable, and low-carbon energy sources more urgent than ever.
Beyond discussing nuclear energy's contribution to clean and dependable power generation, Dr. Barfield addressed one of the public's most persistent concerns—radiation safety and its perceived health risks. She explained that many fears surrounding nuclear technology are rooted in isolated historical events rather than the industry's current safety standards and decades of technological advancement.
"Many of the perceptions about nuclear are just an assumption that it is somehow unsafe. As I say, reinforcing that, it is actually one of—if not the safest—industries you can possibly work in. But the public has heard of one or two events in their lifetime over the past seventy years," she explained.
Her discussion encouraged participants to distinguish between perception and scientific evidence while recognizing the extensive regulatory measures, engineering safeguards, and continuous innovations that have made modern nuclear facilities among the most highly regulated industries worldwide.
She also shared that discussions are underway for PUP to offer a Diploma Program in Nuclear, an initiative that would prepare future professionals with specialized competencies to support the Philippines' long-term energy transition and technological development.
The lecture also served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between educators, students, and experts, reinforcing the value of international partnerships in expanding scientific literacy, strengthening research collaboration, and cultivating informed public discourse on emerging technologies.
The Freedom 250 Lecture advanced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting Quality Education (SDG 4) through evidence-based learning, Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) through discussions on sustainable energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by encouraging technological innovation, Climate Action (SDG 13) through awareness of low-carbon energy solutions, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) through the collaboration between the University and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. The activity also reflected the University's INSPIRED Core Values by fostering Passion for Learning and Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and Accountability, Nationalism, and Inclusivity through scientific dialogue, international collaboration, and evidence-based discussions on the future of energy.
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