EARTH HOUR is one of the world’s largest environmental movements, founded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. It is still observed today, including in the Philippines.
The movement urges people, communities, businesses, and governments throughout the world to turn off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.
However, Earth Hour has blossomed into a nationwide movement in the country that encourages Filipinos to work together in protecting the planet’s future and advocating for a greener living.
This year, various well-known establishments in Metro Manila and across the nation have already declared their participation in the annual Earth Hour, which will take place on March 22 at 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The List of Establishments
This year, Araneta City will participate in Earth Hour with the purpose of making a difference for the environment by taking even the simplest measures. Moreover, they will organize various activities throughout the month.
Uptown Bonifacio will also participate in the annual celebration, which will include a night of music with Over October. The event kicks out with a “Countdown to Earth Hour,” followed by a 1,000-candle illumination ceremony.
Along with them, the Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill will host a Floating Lotus Ceremony featuring 600 lighted lotus flowers making the distinctive “60+” symbol, a tribute to the 60-minute movement.
Meanwhile, Forbes Town will participate in Earth Hour by lighting the stunning Glowing Garden at Burgos Park with 600 solar-powered lights.
Finally, Arcovia City will host a peaceful night with a live harp performance at The Viewdeck beginning at 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., as well as their commitment to working together with the rest of the globe to save the planet.
Not only will parks and malls participate, but so will convenience stores and food chains, with over 4,000 7-Eleven and 4,300 Jollibee Foods Corporation locations nationwide.
Years of Commitment
The first Earth Hour in the Philippines, held just a year after the movement’s birth, witnessed a large attendance, with major cities, including Metro Manila, turning off their lights.
The program struck a chord with Filipinos, who were becoming increasingly aware of environmental concerns, particularly climate change and the ongoing depletion of natural resources.
From its humble beginnings, the event has grown into a nationwide movement that goes beyond symbolic, creating genuine change and inspiring sustainable practices in communities, businesses, and government.
By participating, Filipinos not only show solidarity with the rest of the world, but also their commitment to a greener, more sustainable future, as well as pressing for immediate action to address environmental challenges.
Earth Hour in the Philippines will continue to be an important element of the country’s journey toward environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
