DOE Initiates Weekly Energy-Saving Drive to Promote Public Conservation
The Department of Energy (DOE) has officially launched a new weekly campaign aimed at encouraging the public to save electricity, drawing inspiration from the global Earth Hour initiative. Under the program titled "Oras Natin sa Efficiency" or ONE campaign, households, businesses, schools, and other organizations are urged to switch off unnecessary lights and unplug unused appliances every Saturday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Goals and Collaboration for Greater Impact
According to the DOE, the primary objective of this campaign is to demonstrate that significant energy savings can be achieved when the public conserves power collectively. The agency has also announced plans to collaborate with the private sector and educational institutions to expand the reach and effectiveness of the initiative.
Recent data highlights the potential impact: during this year's Earth Hour, the Philippines successfully reduced power demand by 145.43 megawatts, equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately one million households.
Assurances and Broader Environmental Calls
Despite ongoing energy issues, the DOE has assured the public that no power interruptions are expected as a result of this campaign. The agency emphasized that only a small portion of the nation's power supply relies on diesel, mitigating concerns about potential disruptions.
In a related development, Senator Loren Legarda has called for more extensive and immediate environmental actions. Her proposals include watershed rehabilitation and mangrove planting to strengthen protections against the effects of climate change and the global energy crisis.
