More than 2,000 participants joined Bacolod Earth Hour 2025 at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on Saturday, March 22, John Dyrick Dormis, Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE) deputy secretary general, said.
This year’s Earth Hour not only highlighted the need for energy conservation but also marked the official launch of the Bacolod City Climate Change and Environment Council, a significant step toward stronger climate governance in the city, he said.
Participants and organizers urged Bacolodnons to actively advocate for environmental protection, a just energy transition, and inclusive governance.
“Bacolod Earth Hour is more than just 60 minutes of darkness. It’s a call to action for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to commit to real change,” Joshua O. Villalobos, NICE secretary general, said.
“The overwhelming participation this year shows that Bacolod is ready to lead the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he said.
NICE and the Bacolod City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) organized the event.
The Bacolod City Climate Change and Environment Council is a multi-sectoral body dedicated to developing and implementing policies that address climate change and promote sustainability in Bacolod City, NICE said in a press release.
The council aims to strengthen partnerships between the local government, private sector, youth groups, and civil society organizations in ensuring climate-responsive governance and environmental stewardship, it said.
Participants, dressed in black as a symbol of unity, changed their profile pictures using the official Earth Hour frame and amplified their voices on social media.
The event featured live painting, musical performances, youth organization booths, and a symbolic switch-off, reinforcing the message that collective action is key to combating climate change.*