THE World Wide Fund Nature Philippines (WWF) offers off-grid communities “The Gift of Life” as it said “we can change climate change” this year.
WWF Philippines said around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying, instead, on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes.
As an environment-friendly and safer option, solar lamps to light up off-grid communities will help children study better at night, Earth Hour Philippines organizers said.
Joys Dominuez, 35, fisherman from Beton in Northern Palawan, is happy to learn of the good news that he will be one of the beneficiaries of solar lighting system as the WWF vowed to help families in Palawan, to safely and economically light up their homes through hundreds of portable lamps.
“I must earn an additional P150 each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene [for use in the lamps],” Dominguez said.
“I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family,” he added.
Earth Hour Philippines head lawyer Gia Ibay explained: “Solar lamps rely on the power of the sun, eliminating the need to buy fuel. We’re teaching communities to veer away from fossil fuels, the burning of which contributes to climate change.” Ibay said the money Dominguez and other beneficiaries will save by no longer buying kerosene can buy basic needs like food, books and clothes.
Meanwhile, Marco Lambertini, director general of WWF International, appealed to Filipinos to play their role and help save planet Earth by switching off their lights on March 28.
Climate change, he said, “is everybody’s game.” Lambertini made the appeal during the WWF Earth Hour Philippines launch at a hotel in Makati City, noting that countries like Philippines are the most affected by climate change.
Earth Hour started in 2007 as a lights-off event to raise awareness about climate change. “We have grown to engage more than 162 countries and territories worldwide,” Lambertini said.
This year’s main switch-off shall be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7 to 10 p.m. on March 28.
“In the spirit of promoting meaningful climate solutions, we encourage [Filipino] families to stay at home and observe the hour through low-carbon means.
But everyone who wishes to join us at the Quezon City Circle will be treated to a surprise. A clue, come in sporty attire with bright colors,” Ibay said.
Earth Hour is the turning off of lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message on the need for decisive climate-change solutions.
In the past eight years, the movement has grown from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia, to the world’s largest open-sourced environment campaign mobilizing hundreds of millions of people in more than 700 cities and 163 countries.
The Philippines has been championing the switch-off since 2008 and has topped participation records from 2009 to 2013—earning it the tittle of the Earth Hour Hero Country. A growing number of allies has pledged to support this year’s efforts, led by the local government of Quezon City; Climate Change Commission; the departments of Energy, Education, Transportation and Communications, Public Works and Highways, and Labor and Employment; League of the Provinces; corporate champions, including Philips, Arthaland, Banco de Oro and Smart Communications.
The BusinessMirror is among the Earth Hour media champions.