By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—Joining the worldwide effort in environment awareness, the Ilocos Norte provincial government observed Earth Hour with one-hour lights off from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.at the century-old Ilocos Norte Capitol building on March 30, 2019.
Located at the heart of Laoag City, security guards on duty were instructed to turn off the lights at exactly 8:30p.m.
Over the years, the heritage Capitol building has played an important role in the lives of the Ilocanos, hence it is just fitting to observe Earth Hour here as a symbol of the province’s resiliency on countering environment problem such as climate change.
Constructed in 1918, the Capitol was enlarged and remodeled in 1957 during the time of then Governor Antonio Raquiza. It was inaugurated on December 28, 1958.
In his social media page, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo M. Barba enjoined all residents to observe Earth Hour by turning the lights off for at least an hour.
“To my provincemates, let’s save Mother Earth and join the celebration of Earth Hour,” Mr. Barba said.
The province is known as the capital of renewable energy in Southeast Asia with increasing number of wind turbines and solar panels being installed in various towns of Ilocos Norte.
Some households, business establishments and institutions throughout the province also participated in the campaign.
For teacher Ryan Dulig of Banna, Ilocos Norte, he said, “A simple sacrifice to turn off the lights and electric fan for an hour can go a long way to think of Mother Earth and its vital role to us.”
Mr. Dulig hopes that by observing Earth hour, this will inspire the rest of the world to continue acting on climate change and other related issues for the sake of the present and future generations.
Organized by World Wide Fund for Nature, the event encourages individuals, communities and business establishments to switch off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to protect the planet and promote sustainability.