The Diocese of Baguio urged the faithful to participate in this year’s observance of Earth Hour that encourages people to turn off non-essential electric lights, for one hour on Saturday, March 26.
“I encourage all the faithful of the Diocese of Baguio to support and participate in this important activity in accordance with our Vision-Mission, particularly for the environment,” read a letter from Bishop Victor Bendico.
The prelate also urged everyone to pray the rosary during the occasion “for world peace as we hope for the end of wars among nations and peoples.”
He also called to pray “for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic; for agencies, organizations, and person who are promoting the care of the environment; for families and individuals you know that are affected by the environmental crisis;” and for “authentic response to our mission of caring for our environment and the Earth, our Home.”
Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong has earlier also urged the faithful to join the event.
“Sana po ang simbolo na ito ay magpalalim at magpalawak pa ng ating magagawa para po sa ating mundong ginagalawan,” he said in an interview over Radio Veritas 846.
The theme of this year’s observance is “Shape Our Future.”
On Wednesday, Environment Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna reminded the public to go beyond the symbolic switching off of lights during the Earth Hour.
“With all the typhoons and disasters we have experienced in the past, I hope that Filipinos are already conscious and responsible towards taking care of the environment,” he said.
Introduced in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.
In 2018, when #Connect2Earth was launched, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity.
Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5 billion social media impressions worldwide.
