Mandaue, Cebu City set Earth Hour solidarity bike

CEBU, Philippines — The cities of Cebu City and Mandaue will hold a solidarity bike ride in this year’s Earth Hour on March 22 from the Mandaue City Hall grounds to the Fuente Omeña Circle and back.

 The Earth Hour, which was first initiated by the World Wild Fund (WWF) for Nature in 2007, has been known globally as a switch-off lights moment to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it.

More than 15 years after, the WWF said that the world is now on its “tipping point” due to climate and nature crises.

 Accordingly, by 2030, it is likely to breach the 1.5°C global temperature increase limit set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

“The next few years are therefore crucial to all our futures - we have to stay under the 1.5°C climate threshold to avoid irreversible damage to our planet, and we need to reverse nature loss by 2030, ending the decade with more nature than we started, not less," as stated in earthhour.org.

To make this happen, individuals, communities, businesses, and the government are expected to urgently step up efforts to protect and restore one’s shared home, the Earth.

From simple switching-off of lights, individuals, groups and countries have also taken other steps for more awareness on climate change.

 For Cebu City and Mandaue City, a solidary bike ride is one of the events they found fitting for the event.

 The 60 Earth Hour Solidarity Bike Ride as per the City’s Sugbo Bike Lanes Board is “a special event to promote inclusive bike lanes, road safety, and a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities."

 This ride also marks the launch of the PADS Paracycling Program.

Everyone is invited to join the bike ride from the Mandaue City Hall Grounds, which will kick off at 5pm and back via North Reclamation Area, to Fort San Pedro, Jones Avenue, Fuente Circle, Osmeña Boulevard, Escario St., Banilad road, AS Fortuna, Highway Mandaue, UN Avenue, Plaridel St and end at the Mandaue City Hall.

 A short program for Earth Hour is also expected to take place at Fuente Circle.

 All participants are required to wear helmets and bike blinkers/reflectors during the event.

 To spice up the riders, there will be special awards to be given to the best biker in costume, most unique bike, youngest and oldest biker, the biggest biking delegation, and biggest biking family.

Earlier, the Department of Interior and Local Government issued a memorandum encouraging local government units support the Earth Hour.

The DILG said that this year’s Earth Hour celebration happens on the World Water Day, thus, carried the local theme "Switch Off and Secure Water for All."

 As per DILG, this “directs our attention to the interconnectedness of water security, nature loss and climate change."

All provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays are highly encouraged to support Earth Hour 2025 through localized activities.

Local officials, personnel and constituents are also encouraged to switch-off their lights on March 22 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

The LGU are expected to mobilize the private sector within their jurisdiction to support Earth Hour by switching-off signage lights or some of their lights in their facilities, as their operations or business will allow; and posting and/or sharing of Earth Hour communication materials. -  JG (CEBU NEWS)