MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) encourages every Filipino to follow the Philippine Standard Time (PhST).
As part of the National Time Consciousness Week (NTCW), the DOST on Friday said following the PhST is beneficial not just for the government agencies, but for every individual, too.
“Not recognizing the PhST could affect individuals in various ways,” DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard Burgos said in a press conference.
He cited one’s birthday as example. “If you are born at 11:59, then your birthday is today. If you are born at 12:01, then your birthday is the next day,” he said.
In May 2013, Republic Act 10535 (Philippine Standard Time Act) was signed by President Benigno Aquino III, requiring all government agencies and broadcasting firms to synchronize their clocks with the PhST.
RA 1035 also declared the first week of every year as the NTCW.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) which provides the PhST said it wants to increase the Filipinos’ level of awareness about the PhST.
The agency admitted that there’s no way for it to monitor everyone’s compliance.
When asked about the big clock at the Manila City Hall which may not be synchronized with the PhST at all times, PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano said mechanical clocks must be checked regularly.
“We encourage local government units to synchronize their clocks with the PhST,” he added.
“Juan Time”
The DOST has launched the “Juan” Time campaign in January 2014 to better promote the PhST in government offices.
Aristotle Carandang, DOST-STII Communication Resources and Production Division chief, shared that he has observed wonderful changes in government offices since “Juan Time” was launched.
“For example we have an event in Laguna and the speakers would be late. We tell the local government that we would start the program on time,” he said.
That’s the reason why sometimes the supposed opening speech is delivered at the last part of the program, he added.
“There is an effort from all of us at the DOST to do our part and support the observance of the PhST,” Carandang said. (PNA)
