Welding the government’s influence on advancing energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) as a way of life for all Filipinos, Energy Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla has intensified this pitch as a basic solution to the country’s power supply predicaments not just for ‘Earth Hour’ celebration on March 25, but beyond. Taking his shot as "planet captain", the energy chief is strongly encouraging public participation in the "one hour of darkness" (from 8:30-9:30pm) on Saturday, because this serves as a venue to stir up awareness on what individual consumers and organizations can do to help in the noble cause of mitigating climate change risks that have been shattering the world. “The conscientious and mindful use of energy is not only our responsibility to ourselves and the country but more importantly to our Mother Earth,” the energy chief stressed. He conveyed to the Filipino people that “60 minutes of your time would already create a significant impact in contributing to reverse nature loss and achieve a climate-resilient future.” Based on data culled from the Department of Energy (DOE), the total capacity saved from last year’s Earth Hour hovered at 65.32 megawatts, a chunk of that was logged in Luzon at 35.26MW; followed by Mindanao grid at 15.3MW; while Visayas shed off 14.76MW. Lotilla reiterated “the Earth Hour serves as an opportune reminder how simple every day practices could have a great impact on bringing down our energy consumption level.” In championing EE&C as a platform in managing the country’s strained power supply, he apprised consumers that megawatts could be saved if electricity usage will be minimized during peak hours – primarily between 11:00 am to 12 noon; 2:00-3:00pm as well as the prime time television viewing hours of many Filipinos at 6:00 to 7:00pm. He similarly reiterated the DOE’s constant plea for air-conditioning thermostats to be set only at 25 degrees centigrade; as well as avoiding energy-sucking appliances. “Behavioral change may seem like a challenge but there are relatively simple things that we as residents, businesses, and local governments can do to be energy efficient, increase resilience to climate change and pave the way to a more sustainable future,” he emphasized. Such individual steps taken by consumers, he noted, could redound to collective action that will bring the Philippines forward not just in resolving its elusive energy security goals; but more importantly, in promoting the planet’s health so it can thrive as a sustainable habitat for the future generations. Circling back to Earth Hour and its lasting impact, Lotilla enthused that “by switching off our lights for one hour, we can make a substantial difference in energy consumption, raise public awareness, change behaviors, and help reduce the effects of global warming on this planet.”