The switch-off event for Earth Hour Philippines turned the spotlight on renewable energy as “pedal power” lit up an LED map of the country on Saturday night.
Volunteers took turns riding the 10 bamboo bikes attached to an energy generator during the 60 minutes lights off at Quezon Memorial Circle.
The Philippine government has “sought to spur investments in renewable energy to lessen dependence on traditional fossil fuels,” President Benigno Aquino III said in a message read by Earth Hour Philippines director Gia Ibay during the event.
“Now renewable energy makes up 33.9 percent of our country’s energy needs,” Aquino’s message said.
The Aquino administration, however, has approved 21 new coal-fired power plant projects in the past five years.
“In light of the agreement reached at COP21, citizens and government should take more positive actions,” Aquino said. “The Earth Hour 2016 is unique in that it takes place in the aftermath of such an historic event.”
Renewable energy technologies such as wind, hydro and solar power were showcased in booths set up at Quezon Memorial Circle.
The Azkals also provided star power to the event, together with World Wide Fund for Nature ambassadors Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, National Youth Commission Commissioner-at-large Dingdong Dantes and WWF Philippines CEO Joel Palma led the first batch of bikers that powered the LED map.
“The challenge is to go beyond the hour and make climate change mitigation a way of life,” Dantes said. TVJ
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