Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a time where geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions threaten the stability of our power grids, the call for national security has moved beyond policy—it has reached the very light switches in our homes and the façades of our cities. Recognizing the urgency of this State of National Energy Emergency, declared under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, SM Supermalls has stepped forward as the first mall operator to champion the Department of Energy’s (DOE) transformative Oras Natin sa Efficiency (O.N.E.) campaign.
This is more than a simple conservation effort; it is a movement to turn awareness into a collective national habit.
The Power of “One”
The campaign is anchored on a simple yet profound message: “One Hour, One Energy, One Nation”.
The premise is straightforward: during a designated energy reduction window, participating SM properties will switch off non-essential lights—including pylons, façade lighting, and decorative displays—and minimize unnecessary power consumption. But the impact is intended to be far greater than a single hour of darkness.
“At first, one hour may seem small. One switch turned off. One appliance unplugged. One light dimmed,” says Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “But when many people do it together, across homes, malls, offices, and communities, that one hour becomes something bigger. It becomes a shared habit. It becomes a national effort”.
From Awareness to Action
The initiative was brought to life through a ceremonial switch-off event at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe, attended by leaders from the Department of Energy, Pasay City local government, and community influencers.
However, SM’s commitment extends well beyond the ceremonial stage:
Operational Accountability: SM will assign dedicated energy officers to monitor participation and report actual energy savings directly to the DOE.
Educational Outreach: Leveraging its network of malls, SM will disseminate DOE-approved energy efficiency tips to tenants, employees, and millions of daily visitors, encouraging them to bring these sustainable habits home.
A Culture of Sustainability: This campaign integrates seamlessly with the existing SM Green Movement and SM Cares, which advocate for long-term climate action through solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging initiatives.
Moving the Nation Forward
As Pasay City Mayor Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano noted during the launch, the success of this campaign relies on the vital participation of both the private sector and local communities.
Ultimately, the O.N.E. campaign proves that energy security is not just the responsibility of the government or large corporations—it is a shared concern that affects every Filipino household and business. By embracing these small, consistent changes, the nation is not just saving power; it is actively protecting its energy future.
“It is not just about one hour,” as highlighted during the event. “It is about what that one hour teaches us. That energy efficiency can be practical. That sustainability can be part of everyday life. That small habits, when shared by many, can help move a nation forward”.
Together, one hour truly can count for one nation.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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