Mandaue marks "Earth Hour"

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Mandaue Saturday called on workers to do their share to save the earth and minimize the effect of global warming.

The call was raised during the observance of “Earth Hour” at city hall grounds which commenced at 8:30 p.m. last Saturday.

“We should go beyond the earth hour and contribute little things for the environment,” Mayor Jonas Cortes said.

More than 1,000 city hall employees attended the celebration and witnessed the switching off the lights for 60 minutes and lighted candles to signify their solidarity with the rest of the world in celebrating the event and committing for the protection of environment.

City hall officials asked everyone to do their share by switching off lights and appliances when not needed, setting the thermostat when the weather is cold, planting and taking of a tree and proper disposal of garbage.

According to Cortes such little things can help the environment and minimize the release of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global climate change.

It was pointed out that everyone experienced extreme weather like floods and drought as a result of climate change.

The World Wide Fund for nature and the Sydney Morning Herald never thought what they started as earth hour in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, would spread across the world like wild fire.

The message was so powerful: go beyond the hour, commit ourselves to protect our planet and take action on the phenomenon of climate change.

Last year, 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide including the Philippines switched off non-essential lights allowing them to save electricity.