Earth Hour Pilipinas

Philippines Clinches Top Spot for Third Straight Year

MANILA, Philippines – When the clock struck 8:30PM last night, the Philippines was again engulfed in 60 minutes of darkness. A record-breaking 1661 Filipino towns, cities and municipalities joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change. Reinvigorated by its new ‘60+’ logo, Earth Hour 2011 aimed to make its effects felt not for a mere 60 minutes – but for an entire year. Organizers are elated by the immense outpouring of support from the government, private corporations and individuals.

Since 2008, Earth Hour Philippines has celebrated climate change solutions, ranking number one globally in terms of town and city participation for both 2009 and 2010. 1076 cities and municipalities switched off in 2010, while 647 population hubs did so in 2009. About 50 cities and towns switched off during the country’s inaugural Earth Hour observance in 2008.

Ten million Filipinos saved at least 611MWh of electricity during the 2009 switch-off alone – equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power-plants. This year’s switch-off exceeded 2010 figures by 478 towns and cities. “We are elated to clinch the top spot for the third year in a row,” beams Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay. “More than the numbers though, Earth Hour espouses the importance of our actions beyond the hour.”

“This year’s switch-off merely signifies the start of a yearlong pledge to minimize our ecological impacts and to do our bit for a more sustainable planet. These sustainable-living pledges can take many forms, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to choosing to bike to work every day. Pledges really depend on the individuals – who can personally assess what changes they can adopt to reduce their consumption of electricity and water.”

A record 134 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour 2011. Numerous global organisations joined nearly a billion people across all continents to heed the hour. “It is only through the collective action of business, organisations, individuals, communities and governments that we will be able to affect change on the scale required to address the environmental challenges we face,” says Earth Hour Global Co-Founder and Executive Director Andy Ridley.

Thousands of people gathered at the main switch-off ceremony, held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Says Philippine Climate Change Commissioner Lucille Sering, “Our collective effort today shows another kind of people power – where different colours and sizes meet – a force so strong that it can make all things move.  Tonight’s switch-off is a strong move towards a healthy, safe and climate-resilient nation.”

Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines and its allies in the public and private sector. 2011 partners include the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively Platform, Honda Cars Philippines, McDonald’s, Meralco, SM Supermalls, Discovery Suites, Smart Communications, Philips and Canon.

Media allies have grown to include ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7, Net-25, Solar TV, CLTV-36, Discovery Channel, AXN, AXN Beyond, Animax, National Geographic Channel, Lifestyle Network, BTV, Knowledge Channel, Solar Sports, Solar TV, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, Expat, Aftercall Magazine, Mega Publishing Group, Metro Magazine, Metro Society, Experience Travel and Living, Radyo Veritas, Globaltronics, QCreativs, Clickthecity.com, Sulit.com.ph and numerous other stations and publications.

Public allies include the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

“Climate change presents us with an opportunity to make the Philippines a better nation, because addressing its impacts means we have to change the way we chart our journey. Earth Hour serves as a reminder of this opportunity, and beyond that hour, we continue to strive to make a difference,” adds Philippine Climate Change Commissioner and former Earth Hour Philippines Head Yeb Saño.

Earth Hour 2011 has garnered international support from global companies and organisations as diverse as: Nokia, PWC, FIFA, the International Olympic Committee, Canon, Baidu, Naver, National Geographic Channel Asia, Bloomberg, Starcom, Mindshare Pocoyo, Clearchannel, Credit Suisse AG, Coca Cola, IKEA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Hostel World and CB Richard Ellis.

“Earth Hour Philippines 2011 was our biggest so far and is a resounding success,” concludes Ibay. “It is a brilliant example of public and private sector collaboration and a true celebration of climate solutions.” Rough estimates peg that at the very least, over 15 million Filipinos joined this year’s switch-off. Earth Hour organizers wish to thank all groups and sectors for again showing leadership in observing the global phenomenon. 

ABOUT EARTH HOUR:

Since its inception five years ago, Earth Hour has captured the world’s imagination by becoming a global phenomenon. Earth Hour 2010 inspired more than a billion people worldwide and over 15 million Filipinos in 1076 towns, cities and municipalities to switch off their lights for the planet. This year marks a stark difference in the objectives of the switch-off. No longer aiming for numbers, the switch-off aims for meaning. With climate change issues becoming more critical, WWF-Philippines aims to go beyond Earth Hour by launching a year-long information and education campaign on climate change for Filipinos, revolving around the themes of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate adaptation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Atty. Gia Ibay

Earth Hour Philippines National Director

gibay@wwf.org.ph

Gregg Yan

Earth Hour Philippines Communications Head

gyan@wwf.org.ph

TV Champions

Radio Champions

Print Champions

New Media Champions

Now in its fourth year in the Philippines, Earth Hour again aims to engulf the entire country – from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi – in darkness. The hour-long event, which was birthed in Australia in 2007 and embraced by the Philippines in 2008, was created to empower people to address climate change via a 60-minute switch-off. Earth Hour 2011 differs from all previous observances by focusing on what citizens can do beyond the switch-off.

“Earth Hour is a simple act that emphasizes both the ease and importance of adopting energy-efficient practices and lifestyles,” says Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay, who also leads the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) Climate Unit. “Given ever-increasing energy demands, we must be mindful of the need to control human-induced global warming by adopting smarter and more responsible energy practices.”

The Philippines topped global Earth Hour participation levels for both 2009 and 2010. Ten million Filipinos in 647 towns, cities and municipalities switched off in 2009, while 15 million Filipinos in 1076 towns and cities joined the 2010 switch-off. Over a billion people from 128 countries participated in Earth Hour 2010 – marking it as the largest environmental event in known human history.

“Though it would be wonderful to again be number one in terms of participation, we must emphasize that Earth Hour is but 60 minutes long. If we want lasting and effective results, then we must inculcate the true spirit of the event into our lives – which is to reduce our consumption of power, water and other critical resources. We want Filipinos to pledge to a year-long commitment to reduce their energy usage,” notes Ibay. “Pledges can take the form of biking to work, choosing to fly less, planting native trees, going on a no-meat diet and so on. It all depends on what the individual is willing to do. In the same fashion, corporations and communities can make commitments to be more resource efficient and environmentally responsive. Remember, it starts with nothing more than a conscious decision.”

Still, thousands of Filipino towns, cities and landmarks are expected to join the switch-off. Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to follow suit. Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines and its allies in the public and private sector. 2011 partners include the Yuchengco Group of Companies, Coca-Cola under its Live Positively Platform, Honda Cars Philippines, McDonald’s, SM Malls, Discovery Suites, Meralco, Smart Communications and Philips.

Media allies have grown to include ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA-7, Net-25, Solar TV, CLTV-36, Discovery Channel, AXN, AXN Beyond, Animax, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, BusinessMirror, Expat, Aftercall Magazine, Mega Publishing Group, Radyo Veritas, Globaltronics, QCreativs, Click the City, Sulit.ph and numerous other stations and publications.

Public allies include the Philippine Climate Change Commission, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communications, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The list of Earth Hour allies grows by the day.

LOW CARBON SWITCH-OFF AT SM MALL OF ASIA

The main switch-off event will begin at 6PM on 26 March at the SM Mall of Asia Globe area. The event also serves as a kick-off for a planned year-long WWF climate change solutions campaign. “We wanted to return to the spirit of the first Earth Hour, which was simplicity and significance. This year’s event will be simple, quiet and as low-carbon and energy-efficient as possible. This year’s event relies heavily on acoustic and unplugged music and efficient lighting before the switch-off,” explains Ibay. Other localities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are undoubtedly coming up with their own switch-off ceremonies. “We urge all Manila-based Filipinos to join us at the SM Mall of Asia. Those based in Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio and our other towns and cities should ask their local malls or government units where the nearest switch-off events will be observed.”

“However, since the spirit of Earth Hour entails minimizing carbon emissions,” adds WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, “You can always opt to stay home, reflect on climate solutions and enjoy the night with your family.”

Earth Hour Philippines calls on private corporations, government units, local groups, schools and the entire nation to participate in this year’s event by switching off lights from 8:30 to 9:30PM on 26 March 2011. Photos and videos of Earth Hour celebrations may also be sent to kkp@wwf.org.ph for documentation. People may also text EHOUR to 5333 to donate (P15 for Smart and P20 for Globe) or log on to wwf.org.ph/donate.

Each Filipino’s participation will go a long way in spreading the message that in working collectively, people can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers. For more information, please log on to www.wwf.org.ph/earthhour or call the Earth Hour Social Mobilization team at +632-920-7923 loc. 19.

ABOUT EARTH HOUR:

Since its inception five years ago, Earth Hour has captured the world’s imagination by becoming a global phenomenon. Earth Hour 2010 inspired more than a billion people worldwide and over 15 million Filipinos in 1076 towns, cities and municipalities to switch off their lights for the planet. This year marks a stark difference in the objectives of the switch-off. No longer aiming for numbers, the switch-off aims for meaning. With climate change issues becoming more critical, WWF-Philippines aims to go beyond Earth Hour by launching a year-long information and education campaign on climate change for Filipinos, revolving around the themes of energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate adaptation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Atty. Gia Ibay

Earth Hour Philippines National Director

gibay@wwf.org.ph

Gregg Yan

Earth Hour Philippines Communications Head

gyan@wwf.org.ph