Off lights turn up commitment to planet
The Philippines’ over 1.3 million hours in 2025 marks an astonishing 1,000 percent increase from the previous year, when only 116,273 hours were logged.
The Philippines recorded over 1.3 million hours of positive environmental action during Earth Hour on 22 March.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF APC
In an extraordinary show of solidarity, people across the country dedicated over 1.3 million hours to Earth Hour 2025, the world’s largest grassroots movement for climate action.
Led by conservation organization WWF-Philippines, it not only shattered previous records but also underscored a growing demand for stronger policies to protect the environment.
“Filipinos want breathable air, cooler weather, clean water, healthy forests and ecosystems, and more renewable energy. This is the strong message they sent when they joined the global switch-off of Earth Hour,” said Earth Hour Philippines national director Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay. “A clear sign that leaders and officials should do more for the environment and our planet.”
Data collected through EarthHour.org revealed that the Philippines recorded 1,377,368 hours of positive environmental action — far surpassing China’s 783,674 hours and India’s 359,652 hours. Globally, the initiative saw a total of 2,925,040 hours logged across 118 countries and territories.
“The growth of this global grassroots movement has been phenomenal, especially here in the Philippines, where we have achieved our highest number of hours this 2025,” Ibay added.
The Earth Hour “Hour Bank” allows individuals to self-report the time they spend engaging in eco-friendly activities such as coastal cleanups, zero-waste cooking, tree planting, nature education, and even unplugged music sessions.
The Philippines’ over 1.3 million hours in 2025 marks an astonishing 1,000 percent increase from the previous year, when only 116,273 hours were logged. This surge in participation highlights a growing public demand for stronger climate policies and environmental protection measures.
The government and private sector also stepped up, with 28 national government agencies, local governments, and corporations participating in Earth Hour switch-off events across the country. Their collective action contributed to a 161.98-megawatt drop in electricity demand, surpassing the 132.11 MW drop recorded in 2024, according to the Department of Energy.