The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Sunday that the Philippines saved a total of 145.43 megawatts (MW) during Earth Hour this year.

Luzon recorded the highest reduction in power demand at 75.25 MW, while Visayas logged 66.6 MW saved. Meanwhile, Mindanao saved only 3.58 MW during the annual environmental initiative.

In a message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for a broader recognition of the importance of the Earth Hour movement, which serves as a reminder of the ways Filipinos use electricity in their daily lives and indication of the kind of future the country will face.

“Ipinapaalala sa atin ng Earth Hour na ang paraan ng paggamit natin ng enerhiya ay may epekto sa ating lahat, at ipinapakita nito hindi lamang ang ating mga ginagawa, kundi ang uri ng kinabukasang nais nating buuin para sa ating bansa at sa ating planeta,” he said.

“Magkaisa tayo upang matiyak na patuloy na magliliwanag ang diwa ng Pilipino—na may pag-asa para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa lahat,” he added.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin stressed that while Earth Hour is a symbolic practice, its significance lies in its appeal for long-term changes in each individuals’ use of power. She said the conservation effort demonstrates that substantial energy reductions can be possible through such changes.

“Ipinapakita ng Earth Hour na kapag nagkakaisa ang mga Pilipino, kaya nating makamit ang makabuluhang pagbaba sa konsumo ng enerhiya. Higit sa lahat, paalala ito na ang pagtitipid ng enerhiya ay hindi lamang para sa isang oras, kundi dapat isinasabuhay araw-araw,” she said.

The DOE urged the public to carry the environmental conscientiousness exercised during Earth Hour beyond the annual event and into their everyday life by implementing energy-efficient changes in the home and workplace.

Earth hour is a global grassroots movement observed every last Saturday of March, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in local time.