Palace urges government agencies, LGUs to join Earth Hour

MANILA, Philippines - Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr. yesterday called on the government’s 1.1 million workers to take part in tonight’s Earth Hour as a way of showing the support for President Aquino’s administration to address climate change.

A memorandum was issued to all heads of government agencies and offices, including government-controlled corporations and financial institutions and local government units, nationwide requesting them to switch off the lights in their homes for an hour, starting at 8:30 p.m.

There will be a ceremonial annual main switch-off event at the SM Mall of Asia tonight.

“They are encouraged to organize their own respective Earth Hour event in their homes, communities or localities; to undertake their own sets of activities in support of the objectives of the Earth Hour to widen the reach of this campaign for the benefit of all, especially the future generations,” Ochoa said. 

Earth Hour is on its fourth year in the Philippines. It is an hour-long event that started in Australia in 2007. It was designed to take a stand against climate change, which has been considered the “greatest threat” the planet has ever faced, and uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.

In Makati, Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said an open painting session will be held at 5 p.m. today at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Anyone can join a group of painters in making a creative portrayal of Earth Hour, which will be unveiled after a ceremonial countdown starting at 7 p.m.

In Caloocan City, Mayor Enrico Echiverri said business establishments are expected to stop their operations for Earth Hour. He said one of the city government’s projects to ease global warming is planting trees around schools and in vacant lots.

As for Pasay City, Mayor Antonino Calixto said he has signed an executive order urging business establishments and residents to participate in Earth Hour. – Delon Porcalla, Perseus Echeminada