Philippines Launches Energy Conservation Campaign to Promote Sustainable Power Use

Pasay City, The Gulf Observer: Sharon Garin has urged power consumers to make energy conservation a daily habit, saying that adopting efficient energy practices as a lifestyle would benefit not only individuals but the entire country.

Speaking during the launch of the “Oras Natin sa Efficiency” or O.N.E. Campaign at the globe of SM Mall of Asia on Thursday evening, Garin said the initiative encourages consumers to consciously conserve electricity and promote responsible energy use.

Under the program, the government is encouraging households and businesses to switch off lights and unplug appliances and electrical devices that are not in use for one hour every Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Garin emphasized that the campaign’s objective extends beyond the designated hour of conservation.

“The real goal is what comes after that hour — a habit that stays with us through the week. A way of thinking about energy that becomes second nature at home, at work, and in everything we do. That is how a single hour becomes a lifestyle. A lifestyle that becomes part of nation building,” she said.

Citing the impact of the recent Earth Hour 2026 observance on March 28, Garin noted that electricity demand declined by around 145 megawatts during the one-hour period from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., equivalent to the power consumption of approximately one million homes.

In a media interview following the launch, Garin said the SM Group had committed to supporting the implementation of the campaign and expressed hope that other private-sector stakeholders would follow suit.

“I think the rest will just follow, and we will be happy if they accept our invitation to join this program,” she added.