Celebrate Earth Hour on March 28 by giving The Gift of Light

When the sun sets at Beton, Northern Palawan, children struggle their way to education using kerosene lamps to light up everything which is hazardous to one's health and costly at the same time. WWF-Philippines which organizes  Earth Hour locally,  finds a way by providing solar lamps to light up off-grid island communities to help the children studies at night. Solar lamps will help them create a lasting sustainable change in their lives.

WWF-Philippines, which organizes Earth Hour locally, revealed its switch-off plans at a press launch led by WWF International Director General Dr. Marco Lambertini, WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, plus WWF-Philippines Climate Solutions Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi last February 27, 2015 at Dusit Thani, Makati.

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying instead on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes. “I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene,” says Joys Dominguez, a 35-year old fisherman from the island community of Beton in Northern Palawan. “I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family.”




To help families in Palawan safely and economically light up their homes, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines shall deploy hundreds of portable solar lamps. “Solar lamps rely on the power of the sun, eliminating the need to buy fuel. We’re teaching communities to veer away from fossil-fuels, the burning of which contributes to climate change,” explains Earth Hour Philippines head, Atty. Gia Ibay. “The money Joys and other beneficiaries will save can buy basic needs like food, books and clothes.”

This year’s main switch-off shall be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 28, Saturday night. “In the spirit of promoting meaningful climate solutions, we encourage Pinoy families to stay at home and observe the hour through low-carbon means – but everyone who wishes to join us at Quezon Circle will be treated to a surprise. A clue – come in sporty attire and bright colours,” reveals Ibay.

Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message on the need for decisive climate change solutions. In the past eight years, the movement has grown from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia to the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign mobilising hundreds of millions of people in more than 7000 cities and 163 countries.

“More than a symbolic switch-off for the planet, Earth Hour aims to deliver concrete solutions to people in need. Last year, we deployed hundreds of fibreglass boats to help fishers affected by Typhoon Yolanda. This year, we will offer off-grid communities The Gift of Light,” says WWF-Philippines CEO Joel Palma. “Earth Hour’s message is clear. When we unite towards a common goal, we can change climate change.”

Donate here:http://wwf.org.ph/earthhour/give-the-gift-of-light