CEBU GEARS FOR EARTH HOUR 2009

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu campaign for “Earth Hour” aims to reduce electricity consumption by at least 2.5 percent. Earth Hour is the global environmental advocacy to switch off lights for one hour on the last Saturday of March. This event started in Sydney, Australia two years ago.

“We must send a strong signal that we need to take action with a unified force,” said Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival during a press conference. “Cebu (city) is consuming 200 megawatts per day. We are targeting a decrease in electricity consumption by 2.5 percent or between six MW and 10 MW this year,” he added.

The campaign mainly addresses the issue on climate change wherein establishments and individuals are encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – the main cause of global warming – by putting off all lights except lamps for security and life-saving purposes.
Nine government agencies, four local government units, two major shopping malls, three business groups, several hotels, resorts and restaurants and seven universities pledged to join the 60-minute activity.

The main program, which is spearheaded by the Department of Energy together with the Cebu City government, will be held at the SM City Cebu. A ceremonial turning off of lights will be held on March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Report by Ma. Bernadette A. Parco, Editorial Assistant, Cebu Daily News.