BACOLOD. BACOLOD. (Richard Malihan photo)
Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy Secretariat Lead Joshua Eusebio Jr. addressed the lights-off ceremony at Bacolod City’s Provincial Capitol Grounds on Saturday, March 26, saying that there is a pressing need for local government units to take part in the fight against environmental injustices.
Eusebio, who is also Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute’s Advocacy and External Relations Manager, stated that it was important to fight climate injustice and accept climate justice advocacy from all groups.
“The climate justice agenda is a challenge that the youth should face,” said the advocate for youth environment. The youth advocate for the environment said that we shouldn’t leave the climate justice challenge to one group or to our government officials. It should be a collaborative effort.”
Eusebio stated that the discussion on climate issues should not be stopped in the present generation. However, he also stressed that the future generation should enjoy the benefits and posterity of the environment.
Participants of 14 youth organizations and government workers from the provinces participated in this year’s Earth Hour celebration.
It was highlighted by a one hour switch off, from 8:30 to 9:15 p.m., and the lighting of candles that formed the 60+ symbol, the campaign’s main logo.
The activity included a talk about the importance and significance of Earth Hour as well as song- and dance performances for the environment.
In a video message, Governor Eugenio José Lacson said that people must acknowledge their role in the problem. [of climate warming]Accept the responsibility to do what is necessary.
Lacson stated that participating in the one-hour switch off of lights shows that Negrenses are aware of the gravity and impact of climate change on their existence, lives, and planet.
We are also prepared and willing to do our bit to reverse the effects of climate change on the environment, he added. He noted that while climate change is a global problem, it must be addressed locally.
The governor stated that as we turn off our lights, this is the beginning of many measures we will take to protect our habitat, not only for us, but also for our children and future generations.
Julie Ann Bedrio from the Provincial Environment Management Office said that the youth of Negrense are clamoring for social change.
I can see that in the middle of many destructions, the passion for environment among our youths is alive, Bedrio said. He added that the Earth Hour was not just an event but a symbolic gathering of earth advocates.
She noted that this is a symbol to show unity in the fight against all forms destruction to our planet.
The Earth Hour is an Australian annual activity that was established in 2007.
It is part the global movement started by the World Wide Fund for Nature, which demonstrates support for the planet’s protection and stopping climate change.
WWF-Philippines previously stated that the environmental movement is a platform for encouraging and mobilizing collective action for the environment. They educate and inspire everyone, including government leaders, to take action for climate and nature.
The Earth Hour 2022 campaign, according to the organization, aims to educate and empower Filipino voters and #ChangeTheEndingForThe Philippines by highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation as well as climate change and bringing these issues up with those running for office in the next elections.
Earth Hour 2022 is a call for action that encourages people to be in solidarity with the planet. It also serves as a call for everyone to take small steps towards a sustainable lifestyle.
