Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 30) — Lights will be out at the Malacañang Palace tonight, as it joins a global movement to call for the cutting down on the use of plastics.
“March 30 tonight, we will join the rest of the world in switching off our lights for Earth Hour,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Since 2007, the Earth Hour has made people turn their lights off for an hour to spread awareness on environmental issues. This year’s worldwide event happens at 8:30 p.m. and focuses on the reduction of plastic waste.
A study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) showed that the Philippines is among the top five contributors of plastic waste in the world’s oceans, along with China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
“We therefore call on everyone to cut down the rampant use of plastics as we continue to aspire for a clean, safe and healthy environment,” Panelo said.
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