Public urged to take part in Earth Hour 2026 observance at Rizal Park
By Jel Santos
The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) on Thursday, March 26, urged the public to join the Earth Hour 2026 observance on March 28 at Rizal Park in Manila, as part of the global call to protect the environment.
“The public is encouraged to participate, bring family and friends, and commit to simple, sustainable habits that can be practiced throughout the year,” NPDC said in a statement.
“Because real change does not end in an hour—it grows every day.”
Held in support of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the campaign is marking its 20th year with the theme “Switch On Habits for Earth,” underscoring sustained environmental action beyond the traditional switch-off hour.
According to NPDC, the observance will feature a full-day lineup of activities at Rizal Park aimed at promoting environmental awareness, sustainability education, and community engagement.
Among the activities is the “Tree of Habits,” a symbolic installation where visitors can write and hang their environmental pledges on leaf-shaped cards.
Likewise, the event will include a documentary screening of The Foresters: A Story of Climate Keepers, which tells stories of individuals working to protect the environment.
The NPDC said the park will feature sustainability initiatives, including the Urban Garden, Materials Recovery (MaRe!) Kiosk, and Children’s Play Garden, offering visitors practical examples of eco-friendly practices in urban environments.
It added that recycling and upcycling activities will also be held at the MaRe! Kiosk in partnership with Dewaste Solutions, encouraging responsible waste management and creative reuse.
As part of the global observance, NPDC said non-essential lights across the park will be switched off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the “Give an Hour for Earth” ceremony.
The lights-off event will be accompanied by the illumination of the Tree of Habits and a sound bath activity aimed at providing a reflective experience for participants.
The NPDC underscored that Earth Hour goes beyond a one-night activity, as it continues to promote sustainable practices such as urban farming, recycling, and water conservation under its “Beyond the Hour” campaign.