NAGA CITY (Mar. 29) – Despite a city resolution issued by the Sangguniang Panlungsod urging citizens of this city to observe "Earth Hour" tonight, most Nagueños ignored the city government's efforts.
"Earth Hour" is a global campaign initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia held annually to promote energy-conservation and highlight the problems brought by global warming. Participants are encouraged to turn off non-essential lights and appliances from 8 PM to 9 PM on a set date in an effort to reduce electricity consumption. The global event was first held last year in Sydney, Australia.
An estimated 300 cities and towns around the world have signed up for the global event. Among these are 26 major capitals of different countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and North America. On the its website, only the city of Manila is stated to be a participant city in the Philippines.
At the regular Sangguniang Panlungsod session on Tuesday, Environmental Committee Bernadette Florendo-Roco discussed with members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the concept of Earth Hour. Roco's motion for a resolution was duly seconded by councilors John Bongat and Salvador Del Castillo.
During the course of the councilors' discussion, the issue of Ateneo de Naga University's commencement exercise to be held at the same time as Earth Hour came up. Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado said that schools and universities have the prerogative to join the global initiative. Roco then suggested that Ateneo might be willing to make use of candles during a portion of the graduation rites. However, Ateneo followed its original plans and held the graduation ceremony without any changes.
There was also confusion among the councilors on whether the 8-9 PM schedule was based on other countries' time zone or if it refers to the Philippines' time zone.
Councilor Roco also suggested moving Earth Hour to March 31 instead of March 29 to facilitate the information campaign of the local government. However, the councilors chose not to postpone the said event and elected to follow the March 29 date.
In the end, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed resolution no. 2008-117, declaring 8-9 PM of March 29, 2008 "Naga City (Bikol) Earth Hour." The declaration mandated a "call to action" enjoining the city's barangays, households, and businesses to participate in the Earth Hour.
Iriga City mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen also called on citizens of Iriga to observe and participate in the Earth Hour.
Despite the city resolution, most of Naga's business establishments ignored the local government's calls. Outdoor electric signboards and business lights were left open all throughout the 8-9 PM environmental initiative. Most of the city's households also failed to act on the government's calls, leaving non-essential lights and electric appliances on for the duration of the Earth Hour.
Elsewhere however, the Earth Hour was held successfully. Lights on the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House were turned off as a symbolic gesture. Entire families spent the hour with candle-lit dinners and even bonfires on the beach, according to an Associate Press report.
Earth Hour Australia Chief Executive Greg Bourne expressed optimism over the event, saying that he expects as many as 100 million people participating this year.