QC LGU to host Earth Hour 2023 in PH
Published Mar 10, 2023 09:16 am
The Quezon City government announced on Friday, March 10, that it will host the celebration of Earth Hour 2023 in the country on March 25.
"Local Government Units like Quezon City play a big part in raising awareness about the threats of climate change among our constituents. That's why every environmental program and initiative we have established and are currently planning are inclusive and responsive to the circumstances of our people," Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
"The city's participation in Earth Hour signifies our strong commitment to push for climate justice as we head towards advancing inclusive, ambitious, and evidence-based climate action to provide a livable and quality community for all," she added.
In partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines (WWF-Philippines), the local government will join over 7,000 cities in 193 countries to commemorate Earth Hour.
The event will be held at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) on March 25. Lights at the QMC and other city government-run buildings will be switched off for an hour starting 8:30 p.m.
Residents and business owners in the city are also encouraged to turn off “non-essential” lights during the said hour.
According to the city government, a pre-switch off program will take place where messages of support from several government and non-government organizations will be delivered.
Different organizations with advocacies for the environment will also set up booths at the QMC while a Padyak ng Kababaihan para sa Kalikasan cycling event and a scavenger hunt for the youth will be conducted by the QC Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) and the Gender and Development Council Office (GAD).
The local government added that a symbolic run led by fitness and environmental conservation enthusiasts will also be held inside the QMC to signify the power of collective action in achieving a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature.
The celebration is organized by the WWF-Philippines, co-presented by the local government and other government and non-government agencies.
"We are celebrating Earth Hour again in-person to show our stronger commitment and solidarity as a people who want a better future for our country. We want to make the Biggest Hour for Earth because we are fighting the biggest concerns of the planet: climate change and biodiversity loss. These grave issues might seem impossible to solve, but that is why we in WWF always advocate our ‘Together, Possible’ approach. We bring people together and solve problems together and this is what Earth Hour is all about,” WWF-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio said.
WWF-Philippines is an organization that works to improve Filipino lives by creating climate change solutions, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving Philippines’ richest marine and land habitats.