Quezon City will host of the Philippines’ Earth Hour 2023 celebration on March 25 at the Quezon Memorial Circle in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines (WWF-Philippines).
The city will join over 7,000 cities in 193 countries to commemorate Earth Hour, which is considered one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements.
“Local government units, like Quezon City, play a big part in raising awareness about the threats of climate change among ourconstituents.
That’s why every environmental program and initiative we have established and are currently planning are inclusive and responsive to the circumstances of our people,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
On March 25 at exactly 8:30 p.m., the city government will switch off the lights of the pylon in Quezon Memorial Circle and other city government-run buildings for an hour.
QCitizens and business owners are also encouraged to switch off their non-essential lights.
“The city’s participation in Earth Hour signifies our strong commitment to push for climate justice as we head towards advancing inclusive, ambitious, and evidence-based climate action to provide a livable and quality community for all,” Belmonte cited.
Before the switch off activity on the 25th, the city government through the QC Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department and the Gender and Development Council Office will host the Padyak ng Kababaihan para sa Kalikasan cycling event and a scavenger hunt for the youth.
Various non-government organizations and social enterprises with climate and environment advocacies will also set up booths around the premises of Liwasang Aurora.
A pre-switch off program will also take place, where performances and messages of support from different NGOs and government agencies will be delivered.
During the lights-off proper, a symbolic run spearheaded by fitness and environmental conservation enthusiasts will take place inside the Quezon Memorial Circle, signifying the power of collective action in achieving a future where Filipinos live in harmony with nature.
Quezon City has been working with WWF-Philippines and Earth Hour for several years.
The city government was also hosted Earth Hour in 2015.