In line with the circulating text messages and facebook stat alerts about the dangers of radiation effects of the Fukushima Power Plant Explosion reaching the Philippines, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) issued this official statement.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo assured the public that, based on DOST’s Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s routine daily radiation monitoring in the environment, the level of radiation in the environment in the country has remained stable since the Fukushima incident in Japan.

“DOST-PNRI is closely monitoring developments through its 24-hour link up with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” Sec. Montejo said.

No increase in radiation level means that, as of the moment, there are no immediate effects of the March 11 Fukushima nuclear power plant explosion to the Philippines.

DOST-PNRI Director Alumanda dela Rosa also cited a plume trajectory study provided by DOST-PAGASA showing that the plume from the site of the incident at Fukushima will not pass the Philippine territory as of March 14, 2011.

“The direction of the smoke appears to go away from the direction of the country,” Dr. dela Rosa explained. “The smoke is carried away by the northeast monsoon (amihan).”

According to DOST-PAGASA, the direction of the wind will continue to be stable until about May 15 and there is no imminent sign of weather disturbance that may affect the current wind direction.