Earth Hour organizers eye more participants

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, chairman of the executive committee of Cebu Earth Hour Core Group, said they are pleased with last year’s edition that the country was able to save 600 megawatts of power.

Archival, the chairman of the City Council committee on infra and energy, said they are optimistic that they would achieve a target of 30 to 40 million watts for Cebu alone.

He said private entities as well as schools promised to support the activity.

This year’s Earth Hour countdown will be held this Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. at SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Persimmon Urban Village, Talisay City and Danao City.

Also heading this year’s event are the Cebu City government, Department of Energy, Philippine National Police, Archdiocese of Cebu, University of San Carlos, Rotary Cebu, Hotels Resorts Restaurants Association of Cebu, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Ocean Care, Jaycees, Island Souvenirs, PBSP, REACT and other institutions and companies.

The Earth Hour 2010, according to the organizers, aims “to raise awareness about climate change issues and provide a forum for every individual, groups, communities, and governments to take concrete and sustained actions to address global warming and ensure a sustainable future.” 

Different activities in line with the celebration have already started as early as yesterday with a green fair organized by the Philippine Retailers Association in Ayala Center Cebu that will run until March 27.

An eco-fair by the Aboitiz Group will also be opened today at Persimmon Urban Village as well as an Earth Hour exhibit by the Earth Hour Core Group in SM City tomorrow, an Earth Hour Torch Parade and recorida in Talisay City, and a youth congress for the environment highlighting Earth Hour on the 26th to 27th in Danao City.

The Earth Hour photo contest and the local World Youth Day would also be launched on the 27th. Deadline for submissions for the photo contest will be on April 6.   

Aside from government offices and private institutions, the church is also actively supporting the campaign with Jaime Cardinal Vidal issuing a circular that encourages parishioners to participate in the activity.

Fr. Tito Soquino, head of social and media action center of the Basilica Del Santo Niño, said they have included the activity in their sermons to raise awareness.

Meanwhile, regional police director Chief Superintendent Lani-o Nerez also promised police support to the Earth Hour.

Nerez said they are not just increasing police visibility during the event but would also turn off their lights in police stations. - AJ de la Torre with Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM   ( FREEMAN NEWS)