This paper offers a discussion on the social dimensions of the barriers to nuclear power generation in the country. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the literature by identifying the barriers to nuclear power generation in the Philippines and offering perspectives on the social relevance of potentially adding nuclear sources to the country’s energy mix. Given the contemporary relevance of the energy transitions globally, this work builds on the available sources over the past decade concerning nuclear energy technology in the Philippines and provides further discussions on the diverse barriers to the country’s energy transition pathway. Findings present barriers related to politics, policy, infrastructure, technical capacities, environment and information. The differences in priorities and values concerning nuclear energy reflect that the barriers to nuclear energy generation in the Philippines are social as much as technical. Based on the findings and descriptions of the current discussions on Philippine energy generation, this work provides some key points for consideration in order to deploy nuclear power plants in the country. These recommendations, however, are not definitive measures and are still subject to local conditions that may arise. This study hopes to be instructive to other countries in terms of further reflecting on the social dimensions of the barriers to nuclear energy generation.

This paper investigates the coping strategies employed by sample micro, small, or medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Laguna using the SME Competitiveness Grid framework developed by the International Trade Centre (ITC). The paper finds that sample MSMEs in Laguna did not find it easy to access MSME assistance programs, and that many are not even aware that such assistance programs exist. However, most MSMEs were found to be flexible and innovative when it comes to their coping strategies; the most common are through using online platforms and customizing or making new products. The paper also finds that assistance on reduction of fixed and operating costs, improvements in credit access, and greater ease in doing business are the most desired forms of government intervention, consistent with the findings of earlier surveys.