Councilor bats for "Earth Hour"

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Bernard Odilao yesterday urged the city residents and commercial establishments to join “Earth Hour” on March 31.

“We hope to increase awareness on the importance of saving energy so we’re calling on everyone including the commercial establishments to join in the observance of Earth Hour,” said Odilao in an interview.

“Suga ra bitaw ang pagngon, and this is only for one hour,” he said.

The council yesterday morning also approved Odilao’s resolution which enjoins all government officials and employees of the city government, and all public and private organizations to “actively participate and support” this year’s Earth Hour.

“The issue on Climate Change has been prevalent in our midst today, such as evident of the number of typhoons that frequent our country which results to flash floods and the phenomenon known as El Niño has taking its toll,” read a resolution he authored.

“The Earth Hour was established to address the concern on Climate Change which is affecting the lives of millions of people globally,” it further read.

This event was conceptualized six years ago, and the Philippines has been considered as one of its active supporters.

Odilao said the city government will hold a special program on that day the highlight of which is the turning off of all lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., joining the rest of the world

“Our participation and support for this endeavor would serve as an environmental premise to our fellow Talisaynon and especially our youths that we are one with the world in its fight against climate change,” Odilao said.