MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said on Monday that all provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays nationwide are expected to join the rest of the world in the observance of Earth Hour on March 28.
The Earth Hour activity requires the turning off the lights for one hour from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Roxas issued a directive to all local governments to support Earth Hour by switching off or dimming non–essential lights that includes street lights, signage and key monuments during the global "lights out" event on Saturday.
"Good governance is not only for the people, but also for the environment. Mahalaga ang kalikasan sa ating mga komunidad," Roxas said.
In his directive to local chief executives, Roxas encouraged them to promote Earth Hour to their respective constituents through their official websites, newsletters, banners, and other communication channels.
He said local governments officials may also pledge to go "Beyond the Hour" and be "climate champions" by publicly promoting renewed ways or programs which initiate change, such as environmental projects or actions that the offices and individuals are willing to undertake throughout the year.
At the same time, Roxas assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will ensure the safety and security of citizens who will participate in the activity may it be in their households or in other places.
"Kung dati, namumutiktik ang mga kriminal sa dilim. Ngayon, takot na rin sila sa dilim dahil buong PNP ang humahabol sa kanila," he added.
Earth Hour, which started in 2007, is an annual global environmental consciousness campaign that encourages individuals, governments, communities and businesses to switch off their lights for an hour and adopt a low-carbon lifestyle to address the threats of global warming.
It is spearheaded by the World Wide Fund Philippines.