Saturday, April 19, 2008 Manila church calls for 2nd earth hour
THE archdiocese of Manila again urged every Filipino to join the second earth hour slated on April 22, by shutting off their lights for one hour from 8 to 9 p.m.
This will be one step in lessening the impacts of global warming and climate change.
The earth hour celebration also coincides with the archdiocese weeklong (April 19-27) celebration of Earth Day, with this year's theme, "Reform our Lives. Save the Earth!"
According to the archdiocese's Ecology Desk, the celebration is a call to every Filipino to examine their lifestyle, recognize its impact on God's creation, and resolve to work for the earth's protection.
The celebration will include an Environmental Trade Fair, tree-planting activities, on-the-spot painting contests and musical plays.
A free concert dubbed "Gabi Ng Parangal Para Kay Inang Kalikasan" will also be held on April 19 at the Rajah Sulayman Park at 6 p.m., with musicians known for their dedication to the environment.
On March 29, Filipinos joined other countries such as Australia, the US, Denmark and Canada by turning off lights and electrical appliances for one hour to call attention and awareness to the need to save energy and prevent tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales urged the faithful to join the activities, saying he supports the cause for the preservation, protection, and care of the environment and the ecosystem.
"It is our vision in the archdiocese of Manila to be a community of persons with fullness of life. That vision begins now as we speak. Our actions towards the protection and care of our environment, the beautiful creation that God has given us, will show how we tread the path towards attaining and living our vision," he said.
Rosales organized the archdiocese of Manila Ecology Desk in 2005, which is tasked to educate the flock on the environment. (FP/Sunnex)
