Sorsogon Governor and senatorial aspirant Chiz Escudero has called on the public to participate in the observation of Earth Hour from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. of Saturday, March 26, by taking a break from energy consumption.
Escudero urged the public to unplug their devices during the activity as he said "This symbolic one-hour lights-out event has stood for environmental awareness, instilling in our consciousness the adverse effects of human activity on our planet."
"I urge Filipinos to go beyond one hour or one day to manifest their commitment to reducing energy consumption," he said.
Escudero, who used to chair the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said Filipinos can be "conscientious consumers" through simple acts, including not overcharging their gadgets and buying more energy-efficient appliances.
Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback in the May 2022 polls, said this year's observance of Earth Hour is even more significant as Filipinos struggle with the rising cost of fuel and electricity.
"By turning off our lights and electrical appliances for an entire hour, we not only express our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint but we are also reducing our energy use and saving a tiny fraction in electricity cost," he said.
People have been using more electricity nowadays than in the last 20 years because of the available technology, Escudero noted. In 2014, the electric power consumption of Filipinos was 696 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per capita, up from 400 kWh per capita in 2000. In 2020, per capita consumption was already at 897 kWh.
"The Philippines is committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent from 2020 to 2030," he said.