ILOILO – To highlight the need for environmental action against climate change, the Iloilo provincial government is urging local government units (LGUs), offices, households, and individuals to take part in the Earth Hour observance tomorrow, March 22, by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dubbed “Ligum-Dulom,” the ceremonial lights-off at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol aims to reinforce awareness on energy conservation and the fight against climate change, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
“This is our way of demonstrating environmental action and raising awareness about climate change,” said Mitzi Peñaflorida, senior environmental management specialist of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO).
Earth Hour is a global environmental movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to turn off non-essential lights for one hour, typically from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (local time), on the last Saturday of March each year. The initiative aims to raise awareness about climate change, energy conservation, and environmental sustainability.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is set to lead the “Ligum-Dulom” official switch-off, which will be held at the capitol lobby.
“Switching off lights for just one hour sends a strong message that even small actions contribute to addressing climate concerns,” said Peñaflorida.
Beyond Earth Hour, Peñaflorida emphasized that individuals can take further steps to mitigate climate change, such as minimizing plastic use, reducing food waste, and conserving water.
“Kon lesser ang energy consumption, mahagan-hagan ang carbon emission. Daku gid ang impact kon tanan kita maga-support sa sini nga kawsa. Global ini, indi lang sa Iloilo,” said Peñaflorida.
Improper waste disposal, particularly plastic pollution, has been identified as a major cause of flooding and environmental degradation, while excessive food waste contributes to resource depletion and emissions linked to food production.
Ahead of the Earth Hour event, the provincial government will conduct a clean-up drive around the capitol grounds and along the Iloilo River, encouraging community involvement in environmental protection efforts.
LGUs across Iloilo have also expressed support for the initiative, with some planning symbolic lights-off activities at municipal halls and plazas, tree-planting projects, and additional clean-up drives.
The Earth Hour observance coincides with World Water Day on March 22. In line with Provincial Ordinance No. 2002-027, March is designated as Provincial Water Awareness Month to promote responsible water use and sustainable management of resources.
This year’s theme, “Bayanihan para sa Katubigan: Krisis sa Klima Labanan para sa Seguridad sang Katawhan”, underscores the need for collective action to address the water crisis and safeguard communities against climate-related threats.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Now, it is observed in over 190 countries and territories worldwide.
While turning off lights for an hour doesn’t directly solve climate change, it serves as a powerful symbolic act that reminds people of the urgent need to take action for a more sustainable future./PN
