The lights will go off for one hour on March 28, starting at 8:30 pm in key cities in the Philippines and all over the world. This is called Earth Hour.
The lights-out initiative, which began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental campaign, has evolved into a grassroots action that has attracted worldwide attention. In 2008, 371 cities across 35 countries turned their lights out in a united call for action on climate change and energy conservation.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is joining hands with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Green Army Philippines Network to spread public awareness of the Earth Hour message to cities and communities all over the country.
“2008 is a destiny year for the entire planet,” declared Lory Tan, President and CEO of WWF-Philippines. “This is the year that we decide the future of humanity. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action and we hope it sends a powerful message to both local and world leaders. It is a global movement that proves that each one of us can make a difference. Imagine what we can do if we act together.”
Recognizing the vital role of the energy community – particularly in terms of sustainable electric power generation, clean transport fuels, and best energy practices across sectors – DOE Secretary Angelo T. Reyes expressed full support for Earth Hour. “This grassroots initiative is an opportunity for individuals from all corners of the globe to unite and, in a single voice, make it known that their collective action can correct the precarious trajectory of the planet,” he said. “this is a cause that should unite us as Filipinos and as citizens of the world.”
To build on the powerful symbolic value of Earth Hour, Secretary Reyes explained that top-tier corporate sponsorships by national partners will be linked to initiatives of the SWITCH Movement, the social mobilization platform of multi-sector energy stakeholders spawned by the 2008 Philippine Energy Summit. These initiatives cover community-level switches to efficient lighting; cleaner transport fuels and technologies for jeepneys and tricycles; and area-based renewable energy (RE) groundwork-setting and promotion.
“We are positioning Earth Hour 2009 among potential national partners not as a one-time event but as window to longer-term involvement in climate change response and sustainable energy programs,” he said. “Through this alignment with SWITCH, we have the opportunity to use the switch-off as a springboard to highlight the urgent need for dramatic lifestyle changes and best energy practices to save our planet.”
“We fully support Earth Hour 2009, and urge companies, non-governmental organizations and communities in our network to take advantage of this opportunity to promote more efficient energy practices and technologies,” remarked Ambassador Francis Chua, Chairman of the Green Army.
Last year, Earth Hour realized savings of 58 MWH of electric power in Luzon and 16 MWH in Metro Manila, equivalent to the output of a small coal-fired power plant. An estimated one million Filipinos were involved. Over 400 establishments participated by turning off their signs and non-essential lights. In Manila, Roxas Boulevard became the focal point of the celebration since it cuts across the cities of Manila, Pasay, and ParaΓ±aque, but Quezon City, Makati, and Mandaluyong also joined in the energy efficiency-promoting activity.
Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities all over the world. To help reach this goal, a global sign-up campaign and competition is again being launched worldwide. Last year, the Philippines ranked 9th in terms of total sign-ups. All Filipinos are urged to sign up at Earth Hour’s global website:http://www.earthhour.org. Earth Hour Philippines 2009 hopes to involve 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses in key cities across the country.
To receive news updates and event schedules, one can register one’s cellphone number by sending the following message to 5777 for both Smart and Globe users: green
WWF, the DOE, the Green Army, and the SWITCH movement are inviting all public and private sector groups to take part in this year’s Earth Hour. “Efficiency in energy use in the light of global warming is an issue that cuts across all sectors,” Sec. Reyes stressed. He pointed out recent development in the energy sector such as the passage of the Renewable Energy Act that should facilitate a gradual shift to “Green” energy technologies: “This should encourage power companies to now use the wind, the sun, and the ocean waves to generate our electricity.”
“Through Earth Hour 2009, we hope to send a powerful message to world leaders in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009.” WWF’s Lory Tan said. “We need a commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse has emissions for the short and long term benefit of the planet in order to avert widespread disastrous impacts, especially in developing countries like the Philippines.”
Taking the first step is as easy as turning off a light.
On 28 March 2009 at 8:30PM, cities and towns across the world will turn off their lights for ONE HOUR – Earth – sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on global warming.
In what we lope will be the world’s largest mass participation event, Earth Hour 2009 will be the culmination of one billion people around the globe, in more than 1000 cities from business, government and the community turning off lights, and sending a message to world leaders in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 that we need a commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the short and long term benefit of the planet in order to avert widespread disastrous impacts especially in developing countries like the Philippines.
Taking the first step is as easy as turning off a light.
By encouraging entire cities to perform this simple act, for just one hour, a powerful message is delivered to the world about the urgent need to address climate change, and shows that it is possible for everyone to make a difference.
At 8:30pm on 28 March 2009, the whole world will turn off lights for one hour – Earth Hour – sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on global warming. By encouraging entire cities to perform this simple act, for just one hour, a strong message is delivered to the world about the urgent need to address climate change, and shows that it is possible for everyone to make a difference.
In March 2008, Earth Hour reached 370 cities and towns in more than 35 countries across and has become a fast-growing global sustainability movement. An estimated 50 to 100 million people around the world switched off their lights for Earth Hour in 2008, including an estimated 1 million Filipinos, and global landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Rome’s Coliseum, the Coke billboard in Times Square and Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai darkened for one hour. Our very own Manila City Hall Clock Tower, the Mall of Asia, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines were blanketed in meaningful darkness.
Today, through the extensive WWF International network, Earth Hour 2009 has gotten commitments from over 60 countries the number growing each day. The Philippines will again join millions of communities around the world as we all literally “turn out the lights” for Earth Hour 2009. WWF, in partnership with the Department of Energy, the Green Army, and the Switch Movement, will turn off lights nationwide – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, aiming for the participation of at least 10 million Filipinos.
Earth Hour 2009 will be a major call to action for every individual, government and business to take responsibility and play a part in ensuring a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks across the world will go dark. People will join together to celebrate and create a conversation about the future of our planet.
Earth Hour is a message of hope and action. Imagine what we can do if we act together.
Join us for Earth Hour 2009.
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THE EARTH HOUR GLOBAL EVENT?
At 8:30 PM on 28 March 2009, cities and towns all over the world will switch off their lights for one hour-EARTH HOUR-sending a powerful global message that it is possible to take action on global warming.
You can help and participate in the global call to action on global warming by switching off your lights during Earth Hour, and do more by getting more and more people to make a difference on climate change.
For Local Government Units:
• Switch off lights in major thoroughfares and landmarks in your areas of jurisdiction during Earth Hour, if and when possible.
• Mobilize your communities to switch off their lights in their households.
• Mobilize stakeholders in organizing Earth Hour events in your city or community.
For Businesses:
• Switch off your corporate signages and/or majority or all of the lights at your headquarters and facilities during Earth Hour.
• Encourage your employees to switch off lights in their households during Earth Hour.
• Place standard Earth Hour banners/streamers in your building faΓ§ade and facilities that are seen or accessed by the public as part of awareness building.
• Use your communication channels to promote Earth Hour.
For the Church/NGOs/Civil Society/Academe:
• Encourage your networks and communities to switch off the lights in their households during Earth Hour.
• Mobilize your networks and communities to participate at the Earth Hour Countdown Event to be held at the SM Mall of Asia on March 28, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• Organize your own Earth Hour event in your community or locally to widen the reach of the campaign, and relate this event with your own environmental programs and other advocacies.
• Use various communication channels to promote Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is a major call to action for every individual, community, business, and government to act and ensure a sustainable future. Join us as we unite with the world in taking a stand on global warming.
Nat’l awareness campaign on realities of International migration and Intermarriages set in Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands
Surigao del Norte (9 March 2009) – The Commission on Filipinos and Overseas (CFO) will conduct its annual Community Education (CEP) with its theme “Pangingibang bansa: Handa ka na ba?” in this province and in Dinagat Islands from March 8 to 18, 2009.
The CEP will be undertaken in the areas of Surigao City on March 8-9, Placer, Surigao del Norte on March 10, San Jose and Libjo, Dinagat Islands on March 11-13 and Gen. Luna and Dapa, Surigao del Norte on March 14-15.
The CEP seeks to raise public awareness on various issues concerning migration, intermarriages and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud, and human trafficking, among others.
CFO Officers will conduct activities such as school symposia, pulong-pulong/dialogues with NGOs, religious leaders/members, local government units, community leaders/members, press briefings and radio interviews.
Approximately 2,000 attendees are expected to take part in this leg of the CEP activities. Based on CFO records, there are about 1,563 Filipino emigrants and 622 Filipino partners of foreign nationals from Surigao del Norte from 1989 to 2007. There are 3,293 OFWs from Surigao del Norte who were deployed from 2004-2007.
The CFO will also conduct training for law enforcers, social workers, government employees and frontline service providers on the use and management of the Philippine Information System on Trafficking or PHILIST on March 16 and 17 at the Garden Pavilion Hotel and Tachyon Internet CafΓ©. (CFO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Senator Escudero cites views on CARP extension
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (March 9) – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero visited this city recently and conducted dialogue with members and officials of the Rotary Club and the International Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Surigao del Sur Chapter headed by Atty. Gerardo M. Maglinte, Business Community, LGU officials headed by Mayor Alexander T. Pimentel and other personalities in the province.
Consultation to different sectors was the major purpose of visit, it was learned, in which addressing problems and in some ways extending help to the constituents not only in the city but the whole province of Surigao del Sur, in general.
This rare opportunity was a great privilege to the Tandaganons to express their aspiration in any means of assistance like livelihood or infrastructure projects to be benefited by the people here.
When asked by Provincial Agriculture and Resources Officer (PARO) Mataksil regarding the status of the Senate Bill No. 2666 or the CARP extension itself, Senador Escudero said in tagalog “sa ngayon pending sa Senado” (At present, it’s still pending at the Senate).
With this statement of the Senator not confirming of whether or not the new CARP bill is approved, still it gives DAR employees enormous hope that before the six months extended period ends, through Joint Resolution No.1 series of 2009, CARP will still be extended. (Myra Quizada-Yu-Dar PIO/PIA SDS)
POLICE REPORTS
By : PO3 Philip Amer Posas Mazo
and PO3 Arturo Suganob Campania
Report on loose firearm
On March 5, 2009 around 11:50 in the morning at Mujica Acoustic Videoke Bar located at Esperanza Road, Barangay Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, personnel of Bayugan City Police Station led by PInsp Jomark Q CaΓ±a conducted “Oplan Kapkap/Bakal” which resulted to the apprehension of a certain Narciso Opalla Jr, 38 years old, married and a resident of Purok-6 Barangay Saguma, Bayugan City.
Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were one unit caliber .45 (PARA CARRY) with serial number 125622 and one magazine loaded with six live ammo.
Subject person and confiscated items were brought to said police station for proper disposition while appropriate charges is being prepared for filing in court. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP arrests wanted persons
On March 5, 2009 around 1:30 in the morning at Purok-13 Barangay Limaha, Butuan City, Tracker Team of Butuan City Police Station 2, BCPO led by SPO2 Advincula arrested a certain Zaldy Torete Rosales, 37 years old, married and a resident of Purok-13 Barangay Limaha, Butuan City by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Francisco Maclang of Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 3, Libertad, Butuan City dated March 2, 2009, docketed under Criminal Case number 13316 charged for the crime of robbery.
Subject person is now detained at said station for proper disposition.
On same date around 5:30 in the afternoon at Barangay Quirino, Madrid, Surigao del Sur, PNP personnel of Madrid Police Station led by PO3 Azarcon, arrested a certain 'Macmac" Gruyal, of legal age, single and a resident of the above mentioned place by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Rufo G Naragas, Presiding Judge 2nd MCTC 11th Judicial, Surigao del Sur, docketed under Criminal Case nr 3676 charged for the crime of attempted homicide.
Subject person is now detained at said police station for proper disposition.
On same date around 11:00 in the morning, personnel of Bunawan Municipal Police Station led by PSInsp Romeo A Villalobos Jr, COP arrested a certain Fortunato Magbanua, 39 years old, married, farmer, a resident of Sobong, Purok-7 Barangay Mambalili, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Patricio Balite of branch 6, RTC 10th Judicial Region dated 5 Dec 2002 for the crime of Acts of Lasciviousness docketed under Criminal Case number 5355 with bail bond recommended in the amount of Php 12,000.00 for his temporary release.
Subject person is now detained at Bunawan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal gambling
On March 6, 2009 around 1:30 in the afternoon at Purok-18 Barangay Taglatawan, Bayugan City, PNP elements of Bayugan City Police Station led by PInsp Jumark CaΓ±a, Deputy COP confiscated one unit video karera machine from a care taker identified as Benabol Bequilla, a resident of aforesaid place.
Confiscated item was brought to Bayugan City Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, on same date around 7:3O in the evening, joint elements of 14th RMG led by PInsp Ritchelu Baladjay Alucilda and Buenavista Municipal Police Station led by PSInsp Irene D Pareja, COP, conducted simultaneous raid on Video Karera at Barangay Poblacion 3 and 10, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte which resulted to the confiscation of three units Video Karera machines allegedly owned by alias "Milag".
Confiscated items were brought to Buenavista Municipal Police Station for documentation and further brought to 14th RMG for custody. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on attempted robbery
On March 6, 2009 around 2:15 in the morning at corner Narciso and Burgos Street Barangay Washington, Surigao City, a certain Marlon Ayag, 18 years old, single, out of school youth, a native of Purok-3 Barangay Kamanggahan, Bato, Leyte and presently residing at P. Reyes Extension, Barangay Taft, Surigao City was arrested by residents of the above mentioned place when he was about to enter the house of a certain Manuel Alipao Edera.
Initial investigation revealed that Marlon Ayag removed the plywood being used to cover the unused outlet of the air-conditioning machine of the victim's house when he was noticed by the daughter of Mr Edera.
Suspect was turned-over to Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition and for filing of a case against the suspect. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on shooting incident
He was rushed to Miranda Family Hospital for medical treatment. Recovered from the crime scene is an empty shell for caliber .45 gun and Surigao City Police Station is conducting an investigation regarding the case. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
Report on illegal logging
Joint team from Butuan City Police Station 5 led by PO1 Ronnie Andreres and DENR personnel led by Forester Claro L Licayan, conducted operation against illegal logging which resulted to the confiscation of 93 pieces lawaan and falcata species with an estimated volume of 24.71 cubic meters.
Confiscated forest products were properly turned over to Barangay Bit-os DENR Monitoring Station for proper disposition. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
PNP probes vehicular accident
On March 6, 2009 at 5:30 in the afternoon at the National Highway, Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur, one Honda XRM, color blue, bearing plate number MP 4844, driven by a certain Leonito Morales, 35 years old, married, company driver of Puyat Logging Company and resident of Barangay San Antonio, Madrid, Surigao del Sur together with his backrider identified as Emilyn Morales collided with the other one Yamaha L2 motorcycle, color black, without plate number driven by Lolito Madelo, 55 years old, married, Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Victoria, Tago, Surigao del Sur.
Kagawad Madelo died on the spot while Leonito and Emilyn Morales sustained injuries on the different parts of their body and presently confined at Adela Serra Ty Medical Center for medical treatment.
The two motorcycles are now under the custody of Tago Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Also, around 8:45 in the evening at National Highway, Barangay Del Carmen, Bayugan City, one Mitsubishi Flatform fish carrier, bearing plate number GDZ 814 driven by a certain Ernesto Maghinay Jr, resident of Barangay Simboco, Kolambogan, Lanao del Norte collided with the other one isuzu jeepney bearing plate number KBL 285 driven by a certain Marcelino Dionson.
Both drivers died on the spot while fish carrier helpers identified as Flaviano Estopa, 30 years old, married and resident of Gusa, Cagayan de Oro; Sherwin Suganob, 29 years old, married and resident of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental and jeepney conductor identified as Jerry Nopal, 32, married and resident of Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Bayugan City Police Station now took cognizance of the case. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)
