Friday, March 25, 2011

ES OCHOA PUSHES FOR EXPANDED EARTH HOUR

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Friday urged all government agencies, including government-controlled corporations and financial institutions and local government units, to take part in this year’s observance of the Earth Hour and step up the campaign for energy-efficient practices and lifestyles.

In a memorandum, all heads of government agencies and offices nationwide are directed to participate in the annual switching off of lights for one hour, from 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., and in the main switch-off event at the Mall of Asia tomorrow (March 26).

Ochoa noted the important role of government agencies and LGUs in expanding the reach of the campaign to address global warming and in taking action to ensure a sustainable future.

“They are encouraged to organize their own respective Earth Hour event in their homes, communities or localities; to undertake their own sets of activities in support of the objectives of the Earth Hour to widen the reach of this campaign for the benefit of all, especially the future generations,” Ochoa said.

“They are also directed to utilize various communication channels to promote Earth Hour 2011, including official websites, community newsletters, and blogs.  Everybody is urged to make this campaign a success, as we intend to make this campaign advance beyond the mere switching off of lights,” the Executive Secretary added.

Now in its fourth year in the Philippines, Earth Hour is an hour-long event which started in Australia in 2007. It was designed to take a stand against climate change, which has been considered the “greatest threat” the planet has ever faced, and uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.

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