MANILA, Philippines -- Lights will go off for one hour on March 28, starting at 8:30 pm in key cities in the Philippines and all over the world. This is called Earth Hour.

The lights-out initiative, which began in Sydney in 2007 as a one-city environmental campaign, has evolved into a grassroots action that has attracted worldwide attention. In 2008, 371 cities across 35 countries turned their lights off in a united call for action on climate change and energy conservation.

The World Wide Fund for Nature is joining hands with the Department of Energy and the Green Army Philippines Network to spread public awareness of the Earth Hour message to cities and communities all over the country.

"2009 is a destiny year for the entire planet," declared Lory Tan, President and CEO of WWF-Philippines. "This is the year that we decide the future of humanity. Earth Hour is a message of hope and action and we hope it sends a powerful message to both local and world leaders. It is a global movement that proves that each one of us can make a difference. Imagine what we can do if we act together."

Recognizing the vital role of the energy community, particularly in terms of sustainable electric power generation, clean transport fuels, and best energy practices across sectors, DOE Secretary Angelo T. Reyes expressed full support for Earth Hour.

"This grassroots initiative is an opportunity for individuals from all corners of the globe to unite and, in a single voice, make it known that their collective action can correct the precarious trajectory of the planet," he said. "This is a cause that should unite us as Filipinos and as citizens of the world."

Last year, Earth Hour realized savings of 56 MWH of electric power in Luzon and16 MWH in Metro Manila, equivalent to the output of a small coal-fired power plant. An estimated one million Filipinos were involved. Over 400 establishments participated by turning off their signs and non-essential lights. In Manila, Roxas Boulevard became the focal point of the celebration since it cuts across the cities of Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque, but Quezon City, Makati, and Mandaluyong also joined in the energy efficiency-promoting activity.

Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach one billion people in 1,000 cities all over the world. To help reach this goal, a global sign-up campaign and competition is again being launched worldwide. Last year, the Philippines ranked 9th in terms of total sign-ups.

Filipinos are urged to sign up at Earth Hour's global website: http://www.earthhour.org.

Earth Hour Philippines 2009 hopes to involve 10 million Filipinos and 500 businesses in key cities across the country.