Earth Hour 2012 : Philippines to Lead the World Switch-Off!
"More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause " - www.earthhour.org
Philippines, being the first Southeast Asian country that gave full support on Earth Hour's global campaign and even rewarded for topping Earth Hour’s global town and city participation levels for three straight years, will participate once again this year.
This year's earth hour campaign dubbed "I Will, You Will" is a social contract that connects individuals and groups to dare one another in both doing 'something' for the benefit of the environment. It is a pledge that by doing one's challenge, another should also do the same and therefore both parties shall be involved in taking action to reach the common goal which is "Do something to save our environment and our planet as a whole."
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| An "I Will, You Will" pledge in WWF Philippines (Click to enlarge) |
Earth Hour campaign mainly focuses on switching off the lights and other non-essential electrical devices for one hour - this year, it will start from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM - to save energy that our planet is supposed to consume. This way, people around the world will become aware and act in saving energy to prevent, if not completely stop, climate change.
Way back in 2009 when the Philippines started switching off lights in major cities and some towns and municipalities in different provinces and since then, the Philippines became the major participant of the global campaign in terms of number of towns and cities that participated the event.
Now on its 5th year, the Philippines is about to take yet another leap for campaigning this global awareness to save our mother earth by having a nationwide participation and lead the world in switching off the lights!
In Luzon, Makati City will be the central hub for switching off of lights. At exactly 6:30 PM, an earth-themed parade by Caracol and Bailes de Luces dance troupe will start from Makati Fire Station (Ayala Ave) to Ayala Tower One where a program, to be hosted by Rovilson Fernandez, WWF Philippines National Ambassador, will spur the main event. Earth Hour founder, Andy Ridley, himself will be present in the event to lead in the global switch-off. Different performances including El Gamma Penumbra and Brigada are expected give glows to the event.
Cebu City will be the central gathering place for switching off lights in Visayas. The Sinulog Dancers will lead the festive-like street parade starting from Fuente Osmeña Circle at exactly 5:30 PM and onwards. a candle-lighting ceremony and biodegradable sky lanterns will highlight the switching off event.
Main switching off of lights will be held on SM Davao in Mindanao. At 6:30 PM, a tribal-themed parade will carry on around the mall. WWF Philippines National Ambassador, Marc Nelson will host the event which will also be further highlighted by whooping performance from black-light and fire dancers.
From major cities mentioned, switching off events are likewise expected to be well-organized in different provinces, municipalities and towns all over the country. Major supporters from local governments, schools and universities and corporations will make earth hour event in the Philippines a great success.
will surely participate in EH2012!
I won't miss this one!
I will be joining this... ;))
We won't be joining this because we can not turn of the electricity in the hospital for the sacrifice of our patients. Anyway, I will be glad seeing the surrounding dark.
lets do our part for mother earth!
We will join for sure!
I'm supporting this one... I just hope that a lot will participate.
Turned off the lights and even other appliances for Mother Earth :)
I will my own little way to contribute to this endeavor.
pati blog mo nakikisama rin ba sa Earth Hour? ang dilim ng background,hirap basahin.
I wasn't able to participate for the first time :(
I have a blog post about earth hour too! lol!
We have participated on this, and it feels great!
I had mixed sentiments about this. Hence. I just turned my lights off for 30 minutes as its critical in our work.
My family and I missed Earth hour for the last couple of years since we learned about it but we practice mindfulness of Mother Earth's resources in our daily lives.
We hope to finally participate next year to feel the solidarity with the whole world.