Cebu province joins Earth Hour

CEBU, Philippines — A night where landmarks dimmed and households across Cebu switched off their lights on Saturday evening was witnessed as the province joined the global observance of Earth Hour 2026 in a unified call for climate action.

The one-hour lights-off event, observed from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., was carried out province-wide following the directive of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who ordered all cities and municipalities to participate under Executive Order No. 19, Series of 2026.

The initiative placed Cebu in unity with the global Earth Hour movement, encouraging individuals, institutions, and communities to turn off non-essential lights as a symbolic commitment to environmental protection, energy conservation, and climate action.

Under the order, all local government units (LGUs) were directed to switch off non-essential lighting during the designated hour, with exemptions granted only for facilities requiring continuous operation for safety, security, and essential public services.

The Capitol itself joined the observance, along with various government offices and facilities, complying with the directive to minimize energy use and demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship.

Baricuatro, in the executive order, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that “a unified and province-wide observance of Earth Hour will demonstrate Cebu's strong commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and collective action for the benefit of present and future generations.”

The order cited mandates that support environmental protection, including Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which upholds the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Further, the directive aligned with the Climate Change Act of 2009, which integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation into government policies while encouraging active participation from LGUs.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 was likewise cited, reinforcing the State’s policy to implement a comprehensive and ecological waste management program to protect both public health and the environment.

The Capitol also called on barangays, schools, youth organizations, civil society groups, and business establishments to actively participate in the observance.

LGUs were encouraged to mobilize their respective communities, transforming the one-hour blackout into a broader movement for environmental awareness and responsible energy use.

To sustain engagement during the lights-off period, local governments were also urged to organize symbolic lighting activities using candles, solar-powered lights, and other low-energy alternatives.

These activities, particularly in public spaces such as plazas and parks, were required to observe safety precautions and local regulations to prevent hazards.

The order also promoted environmental awareness and youth engagement initiatives, including eco-walks, sustainability discussions, tree planting, and similar activities reinforcing climate responsibility.

To ensure coordinated implementation, key provincial offices, including the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Cebu Provincial Youth Development Office (CPYDO), and Provincial Information Office (PIO), were tapped to assist in information dissemination and documentation.

These offices were tasked with working closely with LGUs to ensure that the observance reached communities across the province and that participation was properly recorded.

Following the event, cities and municipalities were encouraged to submit reports within seven days, detailing their respective activities, the estimated number of participants, and supporting documentation such as photos.  — Hannah GreshaAbayon, UP CEBU Intern/IHM (FREEMAN)