‘Lights Off Hour’ energy drive eyes launch

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Government is urging local government units, private businesses, and public institutions to turn off non-essential lights for one hour daily from 16 to 20 November as part of a province-wide energy conservation drive.

Dubbed the “Lights Off Hour,” the campaign encourages participants to cut unnecessary power use from noon to 1 p.m. to promote sustainable energy practices across the province. Provincial government offices and facilities will lead the daily observance.

The initiative marks Iloilo’s observance of National Environmental Awareness Month this November, mandated under Republic Act 9512, and coincides with local efforts under Provincial Ordinance 2026-354, which designates the third week of November as Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.

The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is coordinating several parallel environmental programs throughout the month, including a province-wide cleanup drive under the “Limpyo Iloilo” initiative.

PGENRO has also rolled out the “Hutik sa Kabukiran” educational campaign, conducting outreach in local schools and communities to address watershed management, biodiversity preservation, waste reduction, and water conservation.

In addition, the provincial capitol lobby is hosting the Circular Economy Week Exhibit and the Very Strong El Niño Month-long Exhibit, both of which will run through 30 November.

The province will convene the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board on 25 November, followed by the Gawad Probinsya sa Palibot 2026 awards ceremony on 26 November to honor municipalities implementing outstanding environmental governance initiatives.