The Philippine government on Tuesday urged the public to participate in this year's Earth Hour to conserve energy and asked the people to eventually make it a habit.

"We want to reiterate the call of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to participate in the Earth Hour, Saturday (March 26). So, let us turn off our lights for an hour and again we are taking it a step further," deputy presidential spokesman Abegail Valte said in a briefing.

Valte said many Filipinos participated in the energy conservation initiative and they wanted to make it wider this year, calling for everyone who will participate to not only turn off their lights but also minimize their electricity consumption for that particular hour.

"We hope that it becomes our habit," said Valte.

Last year, over 1,000 cities and towns took part in the Earth Hour 2010. This year, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, including 1,512 member municipalities, will take part. It is encouraging all local government organizations to show their support.

Meanwhile, the League of Cities of the Philippines, a city organization of 122 members, is also taking part.

Earth Hour is a global grass-roots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment and demonstrate their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Earth Hour 2011 is to be held this Saturday, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.