Vote Earth

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! It’s another weekend and we’re in for one big event, not only in Calbayog but in a good number of places around the globe: Earth Hour 2009.

As I have reported in my column last Monday, a good number of agencies both public and private have committed to participate in the program at the City Hall stage at 8:30 tomorrow evening. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino will lead the City Officials and Department Managers in the activity.

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Death of a Bishop. The Most Rev. Manuel Del Rosario, the fourth Bishop of Calbayog returned to his creator last Monday. Bishop Del Rosario served the diocese from 1958 to 1961 before his appointment as the first bishop of Malolos. His remains will be interred today at the Malolos Cathedral.

I scanned the scrapbook (given to me by the late Milagros Azanza) to look for something about the late bishop. I found one report about the Bishop’s departure (from Calbayog) to assume his post as the first Bishop of Malolos. Here’s Mana Mila’s report as it appeared in the March 19, 1962 issue of the Manila Chronicle:

"Local prelate gets new post (special to the Chronicle). Calbayog City. March 18, 1961 - (CNS) – Bishop Manuel P. Del Rosario bade goodbye to the diocese of Calbayog last Sunday.

After seven years, first as apostolic administrator, seda plena, then as bishop of the diocese, the Holy Father has decided to transfer Msgr. Del Rosario to the new diocese of Malolos, Bulacan.

During his incumbency, much progress was made. Eleven new parishes and three chaplaincies were established; the cathedral was remodeled in time for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diocese; the diocese of Borongan was erected, which is a sign of recognition of the Holy See of the growth and maturity of the See of Calbayog.

A testimonial dinner in his honor was tendered by the clergy and the people of Calbayog, as a farewell gesture. A motorcade parade accompanied him to the airport.

A large congregation of people, members of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women’s League and other religious and civic organizations were on hand to wave him goodbye.

Sir Knight Ignacio Cui and Emilio Perito and Dr. Ramon Rosales escorted him up to the ramp of the airplane. –mpa.”

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Earth Hour is all over the place. Well, the best endorser so far was Dingdong Dantes. Please don’t ask me why I said he’s the best (Smile it’s a weekend). I thought I already knew enough about Earth Hour until I came across a friend asking what the activity is all about. Before I knew it I was checking the Earth Hour website. Let me share what I got:

“VOTE EARTH. YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE
This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.”

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Birthday greetings. Mr. Pio Santos will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

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This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!