SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, March 25 (PIA) - - The Provincial Government of La Union spearheaded this year’s Earth Hour campaign to further raise awareness on the urgent and collective global climate action.

The main switch-off event, anchored on the theme "Switch-Off Plastic Pollution, Switch-On Nature" was held at the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church Grounds in Luna town on March 23 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

During the event, participants joined the lighting of candles formed into the "60+" symbol- the campaign's logo.

This serves as a commitment to add a positive act for the planet, not just for one hour, but every day.

Other activities included dance presentations from various schools in the town anchored on energy conservation.

In her message, Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David, represented by Annalyn Rosario,Department Head of Provincial Government- Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the 60 minutes with lights switched off helps address the climate crisis and brings down plastic pollution. 

Moreover, she urged the public to take climate action beyond the earth hour and make it a part of their daily lives.

“As we stand in darkness, may we all reflect and realize that this campaign is not an ordinary activity, this is a global movement that aims to foster a culture of environmentally conscious and proactive individuals who extend their actions way after the Earth Hour,” she said.

The Earth Hour, which is observed annually, encourages people around the world to switch off non-essential lights for an hour to conserve energy and protect the planet.

It first took place as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007.

For its 17th year, the Earth Hour put a spotlight on the #BiggestHourForEarth to call for the need to address climate change. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)