Press Release | March 22, 2024

 

The Department of Health (DOH), aware that health and the environment are intertwined, joins the rest of the world in switching off non-essential lights in all its offices from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM on March 23, 2024. DOH supports the 2024 Earth Hour, helping make this year’s observance the #BiggestHourForEarth.

 

Started in 2007, Earth Hour is an annual event that heightens awareness on the issues of global warming and climate change. It encourages people to take responsibility for a sustainable future by reducing energy consumption and turning the lights off for an hour every last Saturday of March.

 

The Department pledged the cooperation of its employees to participate in the event to help beat last year’s record, where over 410,000 hours were given to our planet by supporters in over 190 countries and territories.

 

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines has chosen Manila City as the main partner and venue for this year’s Earth Hour event launch. The iconic landmarks in the city, including the City Hall Clock Tower and Rizal Monument, will switch off non-essential lights for an hour to show their commitment and solidarity in energy consumption. Other cities that have expressed their commitments to take part in Earth Hour switch-off programs and activities include Makati, Baguio, Catbalogan, Ormoc, San Carlos, San Fernando, Santa Rosa, Tagum, Zamboanga City, and Pilar Siargao.

 

“Promoting a healthy environment through sustainable practices can improve the health and well-being of every Filipino. Pangalagaan natin ang ating kapaligiran at kalikasan. Participating in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential lights even in the comfort of our homes will bring significant benefits in achieving safe and quality health for everyone, Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” expressed by Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa.