The San Carlos local government, through the City Environment Management Office (CEMO), joined the annual global Earth Hour observance March 22, from 8:30-9:30 p.m., in a bid to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
The CEMO held the event in front of San Carlos City Hall, anchored on the theme “Give an Hour for Earth”, with participating groups from San Carlos Environmentalist Farmers and Workers Association of Brgy. V, San Carlos City Hard Core Trail Runners, San Carlos City Bikers, and Team Ewit.
A ceremonial lights-off countdown took place, followed by a symbolic march where participants carried LED wristbands and improvised light sticks made of recyclable materials, like plastic bottles.
SCCHCTR volunteer-runners, meanwhile, picked up trash along the way, while bikes with LED lights glowed that night, in keeping with Earth Hour’s tradition of using light accessories to highlight sustainability efforts, the city said in a press release March 23.
San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo, who was present at the event, thanked those who supported and participated in the observance, and those who worked together to make the event possible.
“Let’s work together to protect our planet for a greener and sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference,” the mayor stressed.
Engr. Loreto Sanchez, CENRO I, said it is important for the city to join such event to raise awareness and help conserve energy by turning off lights even for just an hour.
He said he hopes that people will make it a habit to save energy, whether its Earth Hour or not, since Earth Hour is a global effort.
SCCHCTR member Jaime Flores said their group started in 2012, and aside from exercising, they also help the environment by picking up trash along the road. He hopes that other runners will be inspired to do the same.
San Carlos City was the Philippines’ One-Planet-City finalist in 2016, which led to its recognition as the 4th World’s Most Lovable City by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) due to its significant environmental contributions.
Also present at the event were Councilor Armando Laguda Jr., CEMO IEC team leader Marietta Lomocso and staff, among others. ||
