To explore the possibilities of lower power rates and a more reliable energy source in the City of San Fernando, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) Subcommittee No. 5 (SC5) conducted an initial study in the city through an assessment of potential sites for future nuclear energy infrastructure on June 22, 2026.

The assessment, held after their courtesy call the City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto, aims to support science-based planning by evaluating technical, environmental, and socio-economic factors essential to the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program (PNEP). The inter-agency team conducted field validation activities, including visits to identified areas in the city, to gather data on land use, demographics, transmission facilities, environmental conditions, livelihood, and socio-cultural considerations.

City Mayor Dong Gualberto welcomed the delegation led by Ms. Angelu B. Bermas from the Department of Energy, together with Mr. Cephas Olivier V. Cabatit, Ms. Joana Marie F. Chavez, Ms. Ronna Cristobal, Mr. Jomar L. Puerta, Ms. Nicole P. Tenorio, Ms. Clarice A. Tinio, Mr. Charles Louie M. Pormison, Mr. Rommel James A. Nebriaga, Ms. Anne Glydel C. Dalagan, and Ms. Robelle B. Nobleza.

Also joining the delegation were Dr. Arturo S. Daag and Mr. Erlinton Antonio B. Olavere from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Ms. Fern Rose Peregrino from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Mr. Edino Nonato L. Nolasco from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Mr. Leopoldo T. Virtucio and Mr. Edward B. Aguinaldo from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. George Silvederio from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Colonel Ulysis Laude, PA from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Ms. Katherine R. Derit from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Mr. Wotly John R. Julia, Mr. Herbert Jesus S. Sendon, and Mr. Andres Espejo, Jr. from the National Transmission Corporation, and Mr. Dominique Laurel D. Reyes from the National Power Corporation.

The PNEP is a program of the national government that aims to harness nuclear power, ensure energy security, decrease electric power rates, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and support sustainable energy initiatives.

The city government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with national agencies in pursuing initiatives that uphold environmental stewardship and sustainable development here in our #PeoplesCity of #SanFernandoTayo.