RP one with the world in Earth Hour 2010
GLT
by Caroline Howard, ANC | 03/28/2010 4:41 PM
MANILA, Philippines – For the third year in a row, the Philippines
took part in Earth Hour, a global call to action against climate
change.
On March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m., Vice-President Noli de Castro, former
energy secretary Angelo Reyes and newly-appointed energy secretary
Jose Ibazeta led the power shutdown that saw over a thousand cities
and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao simultaneously
switching off their lights for 60 minutes in support of the
initiative.
A crowd of 3,000 attended the official “Switch Off” event at the SM
Mall of Asia in Pasay City which also saw the participation of
performers including Journey frontman Arnel Pineda with the Ammo Band
and YouTube sensation Moymoy Palaboy.
Last year, the Philippines ranked first among 88 countries that
supported the Earth Hour initiative.
A total of 647 Philippine cities and municipalities saved 611
megawatts worth of electricity from the switch-off.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimated that P5 million worth of
electricity was saved from the effort this year.
“As of yesterday, 1,067 towns and cities pledged participation in
2010… We are on track towards harnessing 15 million Filipinos in this
symbolic effort,” Reyes said on Saturday.
Ibazeta, for his part, stated: “Tonight’s event, however symbolic,
should spark the theme of change, issues that hound us, drive supply
of fossil fuels and power deficiency in Mindanao.”
Varying reactions
Tweets received on ANC alerts had varying reactions to the
participation of communities in Earth Hour.
Some were happy with the turnout, others were not, and others hoped
for greater participation.
Still, some Twitter users said it was a good step towards saving
energy.
Around the world, countries also took part in the lights-out effort.
Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House plunged almost entirely
into darkness, leading some 150 cities, towns and municipalities
across Australia in flicking the switch four years since it began the
Earth Hour initiative.
More than 4,000 cities in 125 countries and territories worldwide also
took part in Earth Hour to show their commitment to action against
global warming.
as of 03/28/2010 5:56 PM