Mayor John Dalipe has enjoined everyone, most especially the city officials, to support Earth Hour 2024 on Saturday, March 23, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. by turning off or dimming non-essential lights, signage lights, lights at key monuments, and lights in private facilities or business insofar as operations will allow during the global “lights out” event.

Dalipe’s appeal was contained in Executive Order No. JD 2024-011, which he issued last February 23, an order to promote energy efficiency, environment conservation, address climate change and to support Earth Hour 2024, particularly on 23 March 2024, Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. thereby amending EO No. JD 2023-005.

Earth Hour is an annual worldwide movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

“Everyone is encouraged to participate to help shine a global spotlight on nature loss and climate change, and the need to work together to secure a brighter future for people and the planet,” Dalipe said in EO 011.

Under the EO, the City of Zamboanga is committed to conduct at least one city-wide major initiative after Earth Hour 2024 related to energy efficiency, environment conservation and/or climate change.

Dalipe likewise requested the business sector, civic organizations and the media to support and participate in the initiative.—(Vic Larato)