QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla invites the public to be in solidarity with the rest of the world from the comfort and safety of their homes by switching off their non-essential lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Saturday, 25 March 2023. 

Earth Hour, an annual global movement that aims to raise awareness on climate change and pressing environmental concerns. 

It is an annual symbolic lights-out event that started in Sydney in 2007. This year’s Earth Hour in-person event will happen this Saturday, 25 March 2023 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.  

Tagged as the Biggest Hour for Earth, “The conscientious and mindful use of energy is not only our responsibility to ourselves and the country but more importantly to our Mother Earth. We highly encourage everyone to participate. Sixty minutes of your time would already create a significant impact in contributing to reverse nature loss and achieve a climate-resilient future,” Lotilla said. 

The energy chief added that the Earth Hour also serves as an opportune reminder how simple every day practices could have a great impact on bringing down our energy consumption level. 

Simple reminder or tips of having an energy-efficient homes by minimizing the use of electricity during peak hours of 11:00 AM – 12:00 NOON, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, as well as keeping air conditioners at 25 degrees centigrade would already have a strong impact. 

“Behavioral change may seem like a challenge but there are relatively simple things that we as residents, businesses, and local governments can do to be energy efficient, increase resilience to climate change and pave the way to a more sustainable future,” the Secretary added. 

Collective actions could build a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future. By switching off our lights for one hour, we can make a substantial difference in energy consumption, raise public awareness, change behaviors, and help reduce the effects of global warming on this planet. (doe/pia-ncr)