Bacolod City reinforced its commitment to sustainability during Earth Hour 2026 on Saturday, March 28, transitioning from a ceremonial “switch-off” to a showcase of multi-sectoral climate action.
Environmental advocates, youth leaders, and key stakeholders joined the Earth Hour 2026 Program at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby.
The event served as a platform to showcase ongoing environmental initiatives and strengthen collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in addressing climate-related challenges, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.
Councilor Homer Bais, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, highlighted the global significance of the movement.
“Earth Hour is an important global movement that reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for and protect our environment,” he said.
Cultural performances by the MassKara Dancers, a spoken poetry piece by University of St. La Salle student Juliana Sagun and a dance by the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos Recoletos Dance Company added vibrancy to the program.
Co-Lead Gwen Loraine M. Ecolesio emphasized the initiative’s deeper purpose.
“We celebrate Earth Hour not just to switch off our lights, but to switch on awareness, responsibility, and commitment. she said.
Key presentations highlighted environmental programs from partner institutions.
The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute showcased youth-led initiatives such as Sagup Food Circle, Eco Scribes, iVisayas, Young Feminists Manifesto, and Reconnect.
Dr. Junalyn Libiran of Bacolod City College presented its “Trash to Cashback” program, alongside seedling drives, tree planting, recycling, and awareness campaigns.
A highlight of the program was the recognition of Bacolod City College Advocates for Kalikasan: Unifying, Restoring, Augmenting, and Nurturing (BAKURAN), which was recently acknowledged by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Awards as the “Most Outstanding Project for the Planet.”
The UN recognition honors BAKURAN’s efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development, accrediting them under the Global Youth Program and placing them among the Top 20 Finalists of the UN-SDG Awards.
The certificate, valid from February 20, 2026, to February 20, 2027, was formally turned over to BCC on March 24.
Executive Assistant Ariel Guides emphasized the shared responsibility of all sectors in environmental protection.
“It is a profound and significant responsibility for us to guide, even in something as simple as solid waste management, because the local government alone cannot handle everything. As the basic unit of society, we need to have conversations within our households, and in our communities, the people must have lived experiences,” Guides said.
He also commended Punong Barangay Cesar Rellos Jr. for Barangay 1’s coastal garden initiative, noting that strong leadership and community effort made it a success.
“As our Mayor has said, this cannot be accomplished by the government alone. Education does not only start in the academe or institutions, it starts within us,” he added.
Bacolod Councilor Em Ang reaffirmed her advocacy against single-use plastics.
“My advocacy focuses on reducing plastic bag usage. I have been consistent since day one, and I hope every member of the community will join us. Plastic bags are made from fossil fuels, and it takes all of us to lead the campaign against global warming and climate change,” she said.
Councilor Thaddy Sayson highlighted the importance of community engagement and returning to basic environmental practices.
“The hardest part is getting people involved. We must go back to the basics, proper waste segregation in our homes and communities,” he said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, through Guides, reinforced the value of inclusive governance in advancing environmental initiatives.
“In celebration of Earth Hour, may the inspiring messages and practical green initiatives we heard today encourage us to take action and scale up efforts that will help protect our environment,” he said on behalf of the Mayor.
Through initiatives like Earth Hour 2026 and the global recognition of BAKURAN, Bacolod City continues to promote youth engagement, inclusive participation, and long-term strategies toward building a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable future, the BCCO said.*
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