Mark Earth Hour, Filipinos enjoined

MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Ramon Paje yesterday urged Filipinos to make a Lenten sacrifice for Mother Earth by participating in the observance of Earth Hour.

Paje enjoined Filipinos nationwide to switch off their electric lights and appliances for an hour on March 26 to mark Earth Hour, a global activity aimed at raising awareness of global warming.

Earth Hour 201l will be observed from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Noting that the Philippines had topped Earth Hour participation for the last two years, Paje said Filipinos should continue making a “sacrifice” to relieve Mother Earth of the stresses from carbon dioxide and fossil fuel emissions.

As part of Earth Hour, Paje said he had directed the switching off of electrical power in all offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

He also called on all local government units, educational institutions, commercial establishments, outdoor advertisers, civic groups and households to do the same. (report from Kristine L. Alave, Philippine Daily Inquirer)