The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) has conducted gamma radiation monitoring and collection of environmental and marine samples in Batanes from June 23 to June 27, 2015. This is in response to Resolution No. 49, series of 2015 of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Batanes, entitled “A Resolution Requesting the Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Nuclear Research Institute To Conduct Radio Activity Test in the Province of Batanes”.

The PNRI is the institute of DOST that is mandated to undertake research and development activities in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, to institute regulations on the said uses and to carry out the enforcement of said regulations to protect the health and safety of radiation workers and the general public.

The Health Physics Research Group from PNRI composed of Dr. Teofilo Garcia, Ms. Eliza Enriquez and Mr. Ryan Aniago, conducted terrestrial and marine sampling. On terrestrial, with the use of their instrument, the Portable Environmental Radiation Detector (SAM-940, Berkeley Nucleonics), they were able to obtain in-situ measurements of radio activity on air. They also collected soil samples which then brought to their laboratory for analysis. Marine sampling on the other hand, sea water samples, sediments and biota were collected. With the use of BFAR patrol boat fueled by gasoline from PLGU-Batanes, they were able to collect marine samples 3 to 5 km from shoreline of Batan Island. Sea water samples were processed and decant at the site(Mahatao Shelter Port). Precipitates from the treated samples are also brought to Manila for analysis.

Result from analysis shall be published as soon as it becomes available.