The event had its roots from the 2007 Earth Hour in Australia where millions switched off their lights calling for action on climate change. Since then the call has evolved into “taking responsibility and leading the global journey to a sustainable future.”
By ACE R. MORANDANTE
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A one helluva night for riders, united to protect our planet!
It’s how Habagat, an outdoor shop, promises the public as it joins the global campaign, Earth Hour, on Saturday, March 23.
Dubbed as “Night Ride,” the activity is open to all riders who are not using engines or non-renewable energy such as bikes, skateboards, longboards and rollerblades.
“This activity advances the call for less fuel consumption, healthy lifestyle and to fight for alternative means of transportation and free energy transportation,” Verlind Basira, Habagat’s supervisor, told davaotoday.com.
The event had its roots from the 2007 Earth Hour in Australia where millions switched off their lights calling for action on climate change. Since then the call has evolved into “taking responsibility and leading the global journey to a sustainable future.”
In 2012, Earth Hour broke records “as the largest voluntary action for the environment,” according to its website, as 6,950 cities and towns from 152 countries and territories participated.
Simultaneously held in the country’s three other major cities — Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro where it also maintains its branches, the three-year old Earth Hour celebration for riders is a first in Davao.
Participants are asked to assemble at 7:30 PM in the Matina Town Square (MTS).
Basira said that the event is free of charge and participants will just have to bring their gears such as blinkers and helmets. Riders will also have the chance to win raffle prizes.
About 80 participants have initially committed to join Night Ride, but more are expected to show in the actual event based on the previous Earth Hour celebrations, Basira shared.
Riders will take the 12.1-Kilometer challenge, a distance estimated to be covered in just an hour, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. They will start from the MTS passing through Quirino, J. P. Laurel, Dacudao, Sta. Ana Whart, Uyanguren, Sta. Ana Avenue, and back to Quirino and the starting point.
“We really made sure that they will pass through the city’s downtown area. This is part of our effort to educate and enjoin the people to protect our environment,” Basira emphasized. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
