BAGUIO CITY – Around 500 participants from various government agencies, police department, schools, bicycle groups and local officials joined the city’s observance of Earth Hour on March 24 with the theme, “#Connect2Earth”.
The activity kicked-off with a parade from Upper Session Road to the City hall grounds where a program ensued at 7:30 pm with Mayor Mauricio Domo gan and Vice- Mayor Edison Bilog delivering their Earth Day messages with city administrator Carlos Canilao giving the welcome remarks. Councilor Elmer Datuin was also present during the event.
The three top officials exhorted the public to show their love for Mother Earth not only thru words but most especially in deeds by conserving energy not only during the Earth Hour celebration but all throughout the year.
Archie Costales of the Daily Cycle Movement Bike Riders also encouraged the creation of more bike lanes and for people to use bicycles since these are economical, environmentally-friendly and contributes to healthier living.
A pledge of support was read by a representative of the city environment management and parks office followed by the ceremonial switching off of lights at the City hall and some parts of the central business district led by Domogan, Bilog, Datuin and Canilao from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.
Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) held annually to encourage individuals, communities and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, on a specific day towards the end of March as a symbol of commitment to the planet.
It was started as a lights off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and has grown to engage more than7,000 cities and towns across 187 countries and territories worldwide. /Gaby Keith