On Saturday, March 23, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Ayala Malls Legazpi lit aglow its dimmed premises by lighting up 1,000 candlelights in participation for this year’s Earth Hour.
As a means to rally behind Earth Hour’s cause, mall-goers were invited to participate by purchasing a candlelight for 60 pesos and placing it anywhere on the shaped outline of the earth and “60+” (Earth Hour’s logo).
“Itong gesture ni Ayala Malls Legazpi symbolizes its support for Earth Hour’s cause. Bukod pa ‘ron, ito rin ay call ng establishment para sa mga mallgoers to join us in taking small but impactful steps towards letting our planet breathe,” John Howard Almasco, Marketing Associate of Ayala Malls Legazpi, stated.
Equated in accordance with the number of minutes allotted for Earth Hour, said initiative decided to price each candle light at 60 pesos, with the proceeds intended to be donated to Albay Animal Rescue and Adoption (AARA), aiding rescued and adopted animals currently housed by the organization.
“Nakipagpartner din si Ayala Malls Legazpi with AARA to extend our initiative beyond turning off non-essential lights—to also be of aid sa mga animals na nangangailangan ng tulong na sa tingin namin ay naaayon sa broader goal ng Earth Hour, which is to promote environmental sustainability,” Almasco added.
Furthermore, Ayala Malls Legazpi mall manager Irving Noleal highlighted that apart from the candlelight display and the typical switching of non-essential lights, their establishment also organized the Yamang Gubat Trade Fair in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol, featuring local exhibitors with homegrown and sustainable products, alongside the Bottles for Paws initiative, encouraging customers to donate their dry, empty, clean plastic bottles, with the proceeds to be then again donated to AARA—both of which are also part of their Earth Hour efforts.
“We have tons of other programs dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring that our efforts extend beyond just Earth Hour,” Noleal claimed.
Originating in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, Earth Hour is a global environmental movement encouraging individuals, communities, and business establishments worldwide to switch off non-essential lights for one hour, typically from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, on the last Saturday of March.
This movement aims to raise awareness about energy conservation, climate change, and sustainability, garnering participation from millions of people across the globe each year.
Other establishments in Legazpi City, including SM City Legazpi, The Oriental Legazpi, and Avenue Plaza Hotel, also participated in said initiative. | Kian Kirby F. Florano, Aireen Perol-Jaymalin