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MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) has committed to participating in the 2024 Earth Hour on Saturday (March 23), a worldwide event during which offices, factories, and homes turn off lights and devices to reduce electricity use and alleviate the impact of fossil fuel-induced climate change.
This year’s Earth Hour is set from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Philippines.
In a statement on Friday (March 22), the health department pledged that its staff and employees would take part in the event to help beat last year’s record of over 190 countries and territories cutting electricity use for a total of 410,000 hours.
READ: DOE urges Filipinos to join Earth Hour on March 23
“Promoting a healthy environment through sustainable practices can improve the health and wellbeing of every Filipino,” the DOH said.
“Pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. (Let’s take care of our surroundings and environment.) Participating in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights even in the comfort of our homes will bring significant benefits [to] achieving safe and quality health for everyone,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in the statement.
The DOH also noted that the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines has chosen the city of Manila as the main partner and venue for this year’s Earth Hour.
“The iconic landmarks in the city, including the City Hall Clock Tower and Rizal Monument, will switch off non-essential lights for an hour to show their commitment and solidarity in energy consumption,” the DOH statement read.
READ: Beyond ‘Earth Hour’
The DOH added that other cities such as Makati, Baguio, Catbalogan, Ormoc, San Carlos, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga City, and Pilar Siargao have also expressed readiness to participate in the event.
First held in 2007, Earth Hour is a yearly event that promotes awareness of global warming and climate change issues by urging the public to switch off non-essential lights and electrical devices for one hour.