Makati City government officials led by Mayor Abigail Binay will celebrate on Saturday this year’s Earth Hour, a traditional event aimed to raise awareness among residents, the business community, and other stakeholders on the importance of lower energy consumption.
The event will be held at the Fountain Area of Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Avenue.
The city government has been participating in the global Earth Hour celebration since 2008 to signify its commitment to contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission.
Themed “Shine a Light on Climate Action,” the event will officially start at 7 p.m., while the ceremonial switching off lights will be from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 6 p.m.
Leopoldo Parumog, head of the city’s Department of Environmental Services, said the annual celebration of Earth Hour has helped in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in the city.
Based on DES records, last year’s Earth Hour, in which households, establishments and institutions participated, resulted in over 13.2 million watts in total energy savings, which is roughly equivalent to 7,370 kilograms of CO2 emission.
In 2015, the city’s Earth Hour observance translated to 11.77 million watts in total energy savings, or around 6,570 kilograms of CO2 emission.
Expected to attend the event include Ms. Earth Philippines Reigning Queen and Candidates, Regional Director Vizminda Osorio of the DENR Environmental Management Bureau-NCR, selected players of San Miguel basketball team, and representatives of World Wide Fund.
City officials will also be joined by representatives of the city’s partners in this year’s Earth Hour, namely, Ayala Land, Ayala Property Management Corporation, McDonald’s, San Miguel Corp., Boysen Paint, Family Mart, JCI Makati/JCI Makati Princess Urduja, and United Coconut Planters Bank.
Entertainment will be provided by Ralph Paule a.k.a. Jay Contreras, Hustle One (three-time champion, Earth Day Envi Rap) and other guest performers. The event will be hosted by DJ Sarah Carlos and DJ CJ Reyes.
The Earth Hour milestones attained by the city government and its partner-organizations will also be showcased to present the impact of ongoing efforts to combat climate change.
Participants will also have a chance to show their commitment through a Pledge for the Environment that will be led by Archival Malforte.
In 2008, the City Resolution No.