Manila: The House of Representatives on Wednesday welcomed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in a courtesy meeting, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to better understand the role of nuclear energy in addressing persistent power challenges. Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III said the meeting allowed lawmakers to engage directly with the IAEA's top leadership at a time when the Philippines is pushing to strengthen its energy security and deepen scientific cooperation with global partners.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Grossi and the IAEA team. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to deepen their knowledge of nuclear energy to develop solutions for the country's energy problems. Dy highlighted the everyday realities faced by communities throughout the Philippines, including insufficient and expensive power that limits growth, discourages investments, and burdens ordinary families.

Dy also pointed out the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, noting the constitutional prohibition of nuclear weapons, which aligns with the IAEA's global mandate on safety and non-proliferation. The meeting followed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s reaffirmation of the government's commitment to strengthening nuclear regulation, marked by the signing of the Philippine Nuclear Law.

Marcos announced plans under the Philippines' 2026 Chairship of ASEAN to expand the work of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy, aiming to enhance regional literacy, laboratory capacity, and regulatory harmonization. Dy stated that this signals the country's readiness to harness nuclear energy responsibly and engage in deeper, science-driven cooperation with global partners.

The House remains committed to supporting energy policies focused on safety, transparency, and long-term national benefit. Dy emphasized that if developed responsibly with appropriate safeguards, institutions, and public engagement, nuclear energy could contribute to a more secure and competitive future for the Filipino people.