EARTH HOUR 2017 CELEBRATION IN BALAOAN, A HUGE SUCCESS!
Dubbed as “BALAOAN UNPLUGGED”, the Earth Hour 2017 Celebration was held at the Public Market GroundsinBalaoan last March 25, 2017 with the theme “Shine A Light on Climate Action”. This annual event which began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 is now on its 10th year of existence and is now celebrated in the whole world including the Philippines which is ranked No. 1 in terms of the number of participants in the Earth Hour Celebration, earning it the title “Earth Hour Hero Country”. This year, the celebration is a joint undertaking of the Province of La Union headed by Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III and the Municipality ofBalaoan, headed by Mayor Atty. Aleli U. Concepcion. A total of 4,472 individuals registered and participated in the momentous event. National, Provincial and Municipal Officials led the ceremonies and the huge crowd was a witness to the memorable occasion. Very significant was the “Lights-Off” and the “Candle Lighting” ceremonies. At the end of the countdown, lights went off and the venue was in total darkness. In a few seconds, a thousand and more glow sticks in different colors appeared in the dark and adorned the venue. The officials present then lit a total of 1,058 vigil candles individually placed inside recycled decorated tin cans arranged in a 60+ formation. The venue became so spectacular with the splendor of shimmering lights all around.
To add glitter to the occasion, several intermission numbers were presented. Everyone enjoyed the performances because of the unique talents and the display of colorful attires and props. It was so symbolic of the theme of the celebration. Moreover, guests and visitors enjoyed taking souvenir photos at the photo standees/ photobooths in the area.
During the latter part of the program, Mayor Aleli extended an unexpected birthday greetings to Governor Pacoy who will celebrate his 50th birthday the following day. She surprised him with a birthday cake and led the singing of the birthday song. The good governor responded with a wish for La Union to be a progressive province.
