ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is shifting the narrative of Earth Hour from a one-night symbolic gesture to a sustained environmental movement, as it warned that the ongoing energy woes demands deeper awareness and everyday action from households and communities.
Through the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), officials expressed hope that Earth Hour 2026: “Ligum Dulom Year 4” held on March 28 would ignite long-term behavioral change, not just participation in the annual lights-off ritual.
Last Saturday evening, PGENRO led the province-wide observance at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds, highlighted by a 60-minute shutdown of non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
“More than a symbolic turning off lights, #EarthHour: #LigumDulom continues to grow into a movement that calls for deeper awareness and sustained action. In Iloilo, Ligum Dulom has become a reminder that even the simplest gesture, when done together, can spark something far greater,” part of PGENRO’s statement read.
The event transformed the Capitol grounds into a hub of environmental education and public engagement, featuring interactive booths from PGENRO, the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan (PPSK), Red Cross Youth (RCY), and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
Participants were encouraged to contribute in-season fruit-bearing and native tree seeds for Project LISO, reinforcing reforestation efforts and long-term ecological sustainability.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) also provided free medical and dental services for the youth, linking personal health to environmental responsibility, while the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) highlighted water conservation through its exhibit booth.
Even before the event, PGENRO had urged Ilonggos — especially households — to take part in the initiative, emphasizing that collective small actions can yield significant impact.
Forester Mitzi Peñaflorida, head of the Environmental Programs and Management Services Division, stressed that simply switching off non-essential lights is already a meaningful step toward environmental protection.
She warned, however, that the current energy crisis — marked by rising fuel prices — could trigger a domino effect on basic commodities, including food and other essential goods.
“Kabay nga tanan kita mangin responsable nga mapa-hagan-hagan ang pagnubo ka aton economy. Please help conserve and protect sang aton sources of energy. At the household level please turn-off unnecessary lights, unplugged unused appliances, conserve water, buy only what is needed. These are simple acts but if tanan kita maghulag dako ang impact niya sa aton economy and environment,” Peñaflorida said.
Beyond the Capitol, several local government units and private establishments across Iloilo province joined the observance by switching off streetlights and other non-essential lighting, signaling broader support for the campaign./PN
