(September 26, 1997) The Philippine government is reconsidering nuclear power, although it still pays US$300,000 a day for foreign debts incurred in the construction of the Bataan reactor. A South Korean delegate at a conference in Manila last year appeared to have given some insight into how to convince public opinion that nuclear power is necessary.
(478.4743) WISE Amsterdam - "...We have much to do then. If nuclear medicine and the other peaceful uses of nuclear energy such as in food and agriculture foster positive mindsets among the public, should not nuclear power merit the same public response?" (From: 'Defining the Window for Nuclear Power in the Philippine Energy Plan', Francisco L. Viray, secretary of the Department of Energy of the Philippines, during the 'Second Nuclear Congress', December 1996, Manila, Philippines)
The Philippine government is preparing the country for new nuclear power (see WISE NC 467.4641: Philippines: 10 locations for N-reactors). Still paying US$300,000 a day for the debt necessitated by the Bataan nuclear power plant (build by Marcos in the seventies, was intensely opposed by the people. It never went critical, and was mothballed by former President Aquino, and is now to be converted into a gas-fuelled combined-heat and power plant) the public opinion is outspoken; No more Westinghouses and other 'nuclear developers', no more nuclear power!
But there seem to be some lessons learned by the nuclear advocates. The Philippine government has announced that if nuclear reactors are ever be built, it should have to be almost 25 years from now, starting in 2020. But all this time should be used by the government to conduct a "full-blown information campaign on the merits of nuclear as an energy option". A newly formed body, a Nuclear Power Steering Committee (several departments, the National Power Corporation, the Office of the President and two representatives of the private sector), with a budget of 10 millon pesos (approximately US$300,000) has started the pilot testings of newly developed educational materials. The President has already promised a much bigger budget if the committee comes up with some good ideas. Identified as most important are schools which will train the generation that will have to approve the nuclear plans in about 20 years.
With all this in mind, it is fun (but also very important) to take a look at the paper presented by the South Korean delegation during the same 'Second Nuclear Congress' in Manila almost a year ago.
Talking about the difficulties in the Korean situation to identify sites for nuclear power plants and waste storage, the writer of the paper, Joon-keuk Chung, gave a wonderful insight into the way they try to convince the public.
First, the two basic aims:
- To secure proper sites for the construction of nuclear facilities.
- To operate nuclear facilities without significant opposition.
Starting point are the two following statements:
- "There are always some people who oppose a certain issue which other people fully support", and
- "Some people always misunderstand a certain issue which other people fully understand."
Although the South Korean author seems a little bit discouraged in his presentation, he continues confidently: "By all means, we have to make every possible public information effort although it is regarded as worthless!"
Here are his guidelines:
- Make it a dialogue; a low-profile information campaign is needed rather than a high-profile one. No advertisements through TV and radio but necessary information to selected target groups. Necessary information are those which let the "target group make its own judgment in favor of the nuclear industry". Do not persuade but educate.
- Use third-party communicators; the general public has a negative perception when people from the nuclear industry and government officials or politicians address the issue. So use third-party communicators to the maximum: let journalists, medical professionals, religious leaders, teachers, women's groups, etc., speak on behalf of the nuclear industry.
- Prior checking is a must; when having an opinion survey, check with a small group in advance. To have a nationwide opinion survey without prior checking is not recommendable when the result is negative.
- Nobody is capable of having knowledge in detail; when we admit not having correct answers on hand to a particular question, and promise to give answers in an immediate future, this will create credibility. This is especially true in the case of school teachers and housewives....
- Avoid direct face-to-face debate with extreme opposition leaders, particularly when dealing with a sensitive issue. It is really dangerous. It will take one whole hour to explain a simple argument that an opposition leader makes. When there is a request to have an open public debate with outspoken anti- nuclear activists, then it is desirable either to refuse or to just send a clever low-level person.
- Simple and clearcut messages are useful; use messages as 'for a new, cleaner world' and 'we are the same people who breathe the same air, drink the same water and live in the same villages'.
- Invite as many people as possible to the nuclear installations and let them feel special and important.
- Avoid unnecessary personal commitments and promises such as new employment and new business to the local community. Also avoid any trouble with the local population. Do not demonstrate superiority over the local population.
Target groups and messages:
- Most important target groups for public acceptance campaigns are the employees and their family. They are the best ambassadors. Let them feel special pride as family members of the nuclear industry. And try to solve a possible whistleblower's complaints because today's friend can be tomorrow's enemy.
- Media. Never make the media our enemy. Let them realize the fact that they are great contributors to social development through the dissemination of scientific information.
- Government officials are as important. ....police (particularly riot police) are a very important target group. During a (violent) demonstration, the riot police should understand why they are going to put an end to a riot. Other important groups are political leaders. Messages are: 'Having nuclear technology will upgrade national pride' and 'the nuclear industry will contribute to the community development through various support programs'.
- Religious leaders are an extremely influential target group. With regard to Christian leaders, however, we have to deeply concern ourselves about the new-age movement, atheism, agnosticism, esoterism and the so-called liberation theology which was once popular among the Latin America countries. The message should be: 'Nuclear energy for a healthy and bright society.'
- Social groups. Provide information about the role of nuclear energy for a civilized society. Nuclear employees are strongly recommended to join in the various social service activities.
- Environmental groups. Shake hands with reasonably minded environmental groups which only campaign against pollution. Sometimes it is necessary to maintain a friendly relationship with anti-nuclear groups which mainly oppose nuclear war. Show them that we also oppose nuclear weapons. Among the environmental groups, there are somewhat in-between anti-nuclear segments. Try to reach them. Make them our allies or at least make them quiet when extreme anti-nuclear campaigns occur.
- Local population near the facilities or candidate sites. Show them that "we are the same people". Actively join in the various community events, such as village festivals or sports games.
So far so good with the Korean's advice. The writer, in his paper, immediatly admits that the results are, up till now, not satisfying at all: In South Korea, 'nuclear power plants and radwaste disposal facilities are equally regarded as the most locally unwanted land-use objectives'. And he ended his presentation by saying that he considers his job as 'hard work'. Poor man.
Source: Korea's Nuclear Public Information Experiences - Target Groups and Communication Strategies, Joon-keuk Chung, director, Nuclear Public Information, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, during the Second Philippine Nuclear Conference, 12 December 1996, Manila, Philippines.
Contact: Nuclear Free Philippines Coalition, Room 511, J&T- Building, 3894 R. Magsaysay Blvd., Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines.
Tel/Fax: +63 2 716 1084
E-mail: NFPC@phil.gn.apc.org