Gov't asks Filipinos to join Earth Hour

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government urged on Sunday the Filipinos to participate in "Earth Hour 2015" slated for next Saturday night, March 28.

Presidential Communications Operations office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that under Earth Hour, the public are encouraged to switch off all lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9: 30 in the evening.

"In so doing, Filipinos will be showing their solidarity with the rest of the world in efforts to combat climate change, thereby promoting a cleaner, healthier and greener world," he said in an interview over a state-run radio station.

Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement of the World Wide Fund to unite people to take action for the planet.

This year's global tagline is "Use Your Power to Change Climate Change."

For the Philippines, the main switch-off will be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, according to Earth Hour Philippines.

From 2009 to 2013, the Philippines has earned the title of " Earth Hour Hero Country" as the country topped the participation records.

Earth Hour Philippines will be donating portable solar lamps to off-grid communities to help them safely and economically light up their homes, Coloma said.