Manila - Lights in public places and around commercial establishments in at least four cities in the Philippines will be turned off for an hour later on Saturday to mark Earth Hour 2008 in a bid to raise awareness about climate change. Department of Secretary Angelo Reyes and non-governmental groups participating in the event will converge at an open park in downtown Manila for the countdown and a short programme.
Aside from Manila, other Philippine cities participating in the event are Makati, where the country's financial district is located, Paranaque and Pasay.
The influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines also enjoins churches throughout the predominantly Catholic country to participate in the event.
At least 50 cities around the world are expected to participate in the initiative which began in Sydney last year but has quickly turned into a global event covering 35 countries.
Organizers hope to raise the awareness of the people about their energy usage, since producing electricity through the burning of fossil fuels pollutes the air and contributes to global warming.
