MANILA, Philippines?On March 27, Earth Hour aims to have 15 million Filipinos turn off their lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as an expression of support for Earth?s long-term survival.

In a statement, Yeb Saño, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines climate change and energy program director, said: ?El Niño is drying up our farms, aquifers and water reservoirs. This is a stark reminder of the perils of global warming. The public [should] take a united and sustained action in terms of best energy practices and more responsible lifestyles.?

Earth Hour, the world?s largest social mobilization event, serves as a symbolic call to action against the adverse effects of global warming and climate change. For one hour on March 27, across time zones worldwide, around one billion people will turn off their lights.

Saño, who is also Earth Hour Philippines national director, said they projected a savings in the country of around 811 megawatts per hour, or between P5 million and P6 million.

Efforts are not confined to individuals, as Earth Hour has the support of corporations, institutions and communities, which have committed to plunge their areas in partial or total darkness for 60 minutes.

Last year, the Philippines ranked first among the 88 nations that joined the event, with more than 10 million participants from 647 cities and municipalities nationwide. The 60 minutes of darkness in the country resulted in the displacement of 611 megawatt-hours worth of electricity, translating to savings of around P3 million.

?But let?s not just dwell on the numbers or on peso savings. There?s more to Earth Hour than just switching off lights,? Catherine Maceda, coconvenor of Switch Movement, one of Earth Hour Philippines? organizers, said in a briefing Friday. Abigail L. Ho and Alcuin Papa