BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that if people continue to abuse the environment or Mother Earth, then it will also retaliate in the form of natural catastrophes like floods, super-typhoons, droughts and the like causing severe loss to life and property.
Domogan gave the warning during the city government’s Earth Hour program last March 30 at the City Hall grounds that started 8 in the evening. His message was echoed by councilor Elmer Datuin who also implored residents to work-hand-in-hand with government in preserving and protecting the environment.
City health officer Rowena Galpo explained the event’s history and significance while Beatriz Gajete of the city environment and parks management office reiterated her office’s pledge of support to Mother Earth as she reported on their on-going projects and programs geared toward protecting and preserving the environment.
The Mayor also joined the city hall cultural dance troupe in performing a native Mountain Province dance during the program. Also rendering entertainment numbers were the city hall dance troupe and Saint Louis University students.
At exactly 8:30 pm, Domogan and Datuin led participants in the ceremonial switching off of lights for one hour.
The program was preceded by an Earth Hour parade from Upper Session Road, snaking thru the city’s main thoroughfares and ending at the city hall grounds. Participants included representatives from the city government and other agencies, local biker groups, environmentalists, students from Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, AMA, Pangasinan State University, and more.
Involving hundreds of towns, cities and countries around the world, the annual activity is the symbolic switching off of non-essential lights for sixty minutes to help minimize fossil fuel consumption and mitigate the effects of climate change.**gaby keith
