(Eagle News) – Malacanang on Saturday, March 24, encouraged the entire Filipino nation to take part in the “Earth Hour,” a worldwide movement held annually encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30, as a symbol of commitment to save the planet from the destructive effects of global warming.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that “this one simple step” will lead to a “big stride for the entire human race.”
“Today, March 24, we observe Earth Hour, an annual global event that seeks to raise awareness on the need to take action on climate change as well as to promote sustainable energy consumption,” he said in a statement.
“We encourage the entire Filipino nation to take part in this collective human effort to save our planet from the ill effects of Global Warming.For one hour this evening, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, let us all switch off our lights in our homes or in our workplaces to symbolize our commitment to saving Mother Earth,” he said.
Earth Hour was started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, but it had since grown to engage more than 7,000 cities and towns across 187 countries and territories.
Roque said that for the Philippines, climate change is a very relevant issue, as the country was among the countries considered most vulnerable to its impact.
He said President Rodrigo Duterte recognized this and has made the protection of the environment a priority in his State of the Nation Address.
“One simple step we make, when taken all together, leads to a big stride for the entire human race. Let us join the entire world as it shines a light upon the importance of climate action by going dark,” the Palace spokesperson said.
(Eagle News Service)