President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday underscored the Philippines’ commitment to partner with international bodies and organizations in addressing problems such as plastic pollution with the use of modern technologies.

In his keynote address at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum (IHLF) on the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) held in Pasay City, Marcos noted how plastic pollution posed a major problem that has now become global in scale, persistent in impact, and deeply entangled with the way economies grow.

Plastic pollution, said the President, affects biodiversity, public health, supply chains, and the lives of coastal and urban communities.

“That is why the Philippines is proud to champion the NUTEC Plastics Initiative of the IAEA. NUTEC Plastics embodies the kind of innovation we need — solutions that merge advanced nuclear applications with environmental protection, to translate scientific progress into tangible benefits for industry and for society,”

Marcos told the forum attendees.

Scientific institutions in the Philippines have embraced this challenge, building on the strength of international scientific cooperation, the President noted.

With radiation technology enhancing polymer properties, reducing material degradation, and creating new industrial uses for plastics, the President said this shows how innovation reshapes a sector by converting what once called “waste” into new value.

The President also mentioned the marine microplastics monitoring laboratory established with the IAEA at the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute that equips Filipino researchers with the tools to quantify microplastic pollution with scientific precision.

Data generated from the facility informs global models, strengthens policy interventions, and helps experts track the real-time impacts of plastics on marine ecosystems, the President added.

Marcos also highlighted the launch of the NUTEC Plastics Investment and Partnership Brochure, which outlines opportunities for governments, industries, and research agencies to scale up investment in nuclear science for environmental protection and industry growth.

The President said the Philippines is committed to building networks with regulators, scientists, investors and community stakeholders, as manifested by his signing of Republic Act No. 12305 or the Philippine Nuclear Law last September.

“It gives our scientists now and industries as well a stable, predictable environment to innovate responsibly. It also signals that the Philippines is ready for deeper, science-driven cooperation with global partners,” said Marcos. Presidential News Desk