Photos by Star Sabroso
On March 19, the Philippines joins the world once again in switching off the lights for one hour to highlight the urgent need for decisive climate change solutions.
This year’s Earth Hour is special, not only because it is the 10th year that hundreds of nations will stand in solidarity with the cause of climate actions, but also because while darkness envelops parts of the country during Earth Hour (from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. PHT) this Saturday, the Quezon City Memorial Circle will be alive with lights and music courtesy of kinetic energy.
The Philippines walks the talk, so to speak, as custom-made bicycles will help power the three-hour event at QCMC. The stationary bicycles are made by the popular bamboo bike maker, Bambike, whose wheels are fashioned to fit the generator that transforms the kinetic energy (from continuous pedaling) to electricity.
“This is the first time we will use kinetic energy for Earth Hour to power the event itself,” shares Earth Hour Philippines national director Gia Ibay.
She adds, “We thought it is but fitting to go back to the roots of Earth Hour wherein we’re just showing that things are possible. Stationary bikes will partially power this year’s event to show that, when united, Pinoys can light up this country with their collective energy.”
The move aims to showcase climate solutions that individuals and nations can take, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources.
According to Ibay, they will have people who will start the pace but everyone’s invited to pedal the bicycles. “It’s like tagging someone. When one is finished, then someone else can jump on the bike to continue to light the event.”
In addition, energy from solar power will supplement the electrical requirements of the main switch-off event on Saturday night.
“We’re really trying to aim for it to be as low-carbon as possible,” explains Ibay.
Go beyond the hour
While the event serves as an important statement to make people more aware, Earth Hour Philippines’ ambassadors assert that caring for the planet Earth should go beyond the 60-minute switch-off.
“The more significant thing is the things that we do after Earth Hour,” stresses Climate Solutions steward and Earth Hour ambassador Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.
The actress/host/former equestrienne believes that anyone can begin by doing simple and “almost silly” things like recycling bottles and plastic bags to contribute to the betterment of the world.
“I think that’s the thing that we have to realize – caring for the environment entails a lot of simple acts,” says Cojuangco-Jaworski.
Being a mother of three boys, Cojuangco-Jaworski also makes sure that she impresses upon her children the environmental effects of whatever they do. “I try to make my kids conscious about those things that they do.”
WWF-Philippines national ambassador and host Rovilson Fernandez agrees that awareness should start with the youth.
“We have to let as many children know as possible because they are the ones who are gonna inherit the Earth,” says Fernandez. In which case, he says “we have to post on social media as much as possible.”
Meanwhile, new WWF-Philippines national ambassador Iza Calzado shares that she always had it in her at a young age to care for the environment.
“When I was young I (would) always say to my Dad not to throw his cigarettes outside of the car,” she relates.
However, she admits she was initially hesitant to accept WWF-Philippines’ invitation for her to be their new ambassador.
“When they asked to sign me up I wasn’t so sure because I’m not an environmentalist – not yet!” shares Calzado.
“But the thing is, I know that I can make a difference and I’ve been given an opportunity to do so. And with WWF, I hope to inspire people, to effect change and to somehow be a part of a movement to make this world a better place,” she enthuses.
Just like Calzado, Fernandez, Cojuangco-Jaworski and other WWF-Philippines ambassadors and Earth Hour proponents, we can all do something to make a difference.
Ibay invites everyone to come to the switch-off event at QCMC on Saturday, or, if they cannot come, celebrate Earth Hour in their own home “since it also lessens the carbon footprint.”
Social media users, on the other hand, are encouraged to promote their commitment to the planet by spreading climate awareness on their Facebook or Twitter feed by clicking on earthhour.org/climateaction or by using the hashtags #EarthHourPhilippines, #ChangeClimateChange and #RenewableisDoable.