Make energy conservation a habit, says Cebu City mayor

Monday 26th of March 2012

CEBU CITY, March 26 (PIA) -- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama encouraged the public to regularly conserve electricity and show concern to Mother Earth.

Rama voiced the appeal during the recent seminar on, “Electricity Conservation in Households and Schools,” attended by over 200 participants mostly college students, residents of barangays in Cebu City, public information officers of national government agencies, representatives of local government units, non-government organizations, and business sector.

“Let us all be an instrument of energy conservation and do our part. This way, we can also show concern to our environment,” Rama said.

With the global issue on climate change where the Philippines is highly susceptible to natural hazards such as typhoons, flooding, and landslide, it is imperative for each Filipino to do his share in fighting global warming. “A simple contribution is simply to conserve energy,” bared Rama.

Conserving electricity means lesser fuel is used. And if lesser fuel is consumed by power plant operations, lesser greenhouse gases will thus be emitted into the atmosphere.

Rama also said that with the non-stop increases of fuel prices, one impact would be the possible hike in electricity rates.

“If we practice electricity conservation, not only do we help fight climate change but we also help cut costs on our electric bill,” Rama stressed.

The mayor placed emphasis on the important role households and students play in electricity conservation stressing that, “Everything starts at home," while the educational institution is the second home of the young minds.

“Sa inyoha magsugod ang tanan kung unsay itudlo sa balay og eskulayhan madala sa tanan mga kabatan-onan sa ilang pagdako (everything starts with you and what you were taught at home and in school will forever be inculcated until you grow up into adults) which is why it is important for you to practice this habit of energy conservation,” Rama concluded.

The seminar is just part of the pre - activities lined up in observance of the Earth Hour Global Campaign 2012 set this Saturday, March 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 9: 30 p.m.

Other guests and speakers during the seminar were Regional Director Antonio Labios of the Department of Energy (DOE) 7, Regional Director Minerva Newman of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Marlyn P. Santiago of the World Wide Fund – Philippines communications officer, DOE Senior Science Research Specialist (SRS) Engr. Allan Bacudo, DOE SRS II Engr. Jan Ramos, and Jeffrey Belotindos, key account executive of the Visayan Electric Company.

Topics discussed were on Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation, DOE Energy Plans and Programs, Household Enercon Tips and Know Your Electric Bill and How to Read the Electric Meter.

The seminar was initiated by the PIA - 7 in partnership with the DOE and with the support of the WWF- Philippines. (FCR/AS/PIA 7-CEBU)