Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (MNS photo)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Solutions Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski leads this year’s Earth Hour campaign aimed at raising environmental awareness. Held annually, it encourages people to switch off their lights for more than an hour on March 28 from 7 to 10 p.m.
In an interview, Mikee said it’s not only Mother Nature that’s been suffering from people’s irresponsibility. She underscored that we are, in fact, ultimately killing ourselves by not taking care of our surroundings.
“We all agree naman na we are already feeling the bad effects of climate change. That is why when they approached me, I agreed (to do it). I want to be part of an event that would remind us that simple acts can contribute to (the rehabilitation of) our planet,” she said.
Mikee urges everyone to make energy conservation part of their lifestyle. “Medyo malamig naman kapag gabi kaya baka pwedeng ’wag nang buksan ’yung aircon or saglit lang. Kasi ’yung mga ganoong bagay (ay) malaking tulong na,” she said.
Educated at a very young age about environmental awareness, Mikee hopes the country would be named No.1 Earth Hour country anew.
“For years palagi tayong nangunguna sa ganyan. Siyempre nakakatuwa na we are championing the Earth Hour. Very nice kasi alam mo naman tayong mga Pilipino gustong palaging number one sa mga ganitong bagay,” she said.
In line with the campaign, WWF also launched “The Gift of Light” campaign that will give portable solar lamps to families in Palawan so they could light up their homes.
“It’s a need in that area because they have no electricity. Ang ginagamit lang nila ay (kerosene) lamps…”
The former actress enjoys being a mother and she’s doing her best to be good wife to Dodot Jaworski.
Mikee and Dodot met in 1997 and got married in 1999. They have three boys namely Robbie, Raf and Renzo.
With her busy schedule, Mikee is not yet open to rejoining the local entertainment industry.
“Merong (mga offers),” she said. “Pero kasi it will take a lot of my time lalo na marami akong ibang advocacies and commitments. Baka lalong ’di ko makasama pamilya ko,” she said.
In 2014, Mikee was tapped to be the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) representative to the Philippines. She is helping oversee preparations for the upcoming Olympiad.
She may be working for international organizations but she remains committed to local concerns like Anak TV and Gawad Kalinga.
“Kahit medyo busy sa pagiging IOC representative ay sinisigurado ko na tumutulong pa rin ako sa mga local institutions,” she said. (MNS)