Juan Time, on time

KD Suarez

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.


Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, and Comm. Sec. Sonny Coloma at the launch of “Juan Time,” Sept 30, 2011.

MANILA, Philippines – It’s about time to ditch the old notion of Filipino time, and be in step with a new kind of Filipino time.
 
This was the message of the official launch of “Juan Time,” a campaign encouraging the use of the official Philippine Standard Time (PST), and to redefine the notorious “Filipino time,” from one that is lazy and late to one that is prompt, on schedule, and punctual for the benefit of everyone.
 
The campaign name is a play on the term “one time,” tapping on its aim for all Filipinos to abide by a single, official, and accurate time.
 
“Time is a resource that is very important but often overlooked… other than its social and economic value, time is something that can unite us Filipinos,” Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said Friday, September 30.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, and Montejo led the unveiling of a clock prototype showing the PST at the official launch.
 
“It is important we put an end to the notion of the old Filipino time. Let us learn how to follow real Filipino time: the Filipino time that urges us to act now for the benefit of our country,” Binay said in his keynote speech during the launch at the SM Mall of Asia  Friday.
 
“This battle is against ourselves, with our only weapons being self-control, discipline, and a desire of ridding our culture of this harmful habit,” Binay said.
 
“Ang pinakamahalagang oras ngayon… ay ito: ngayon po ay oras ng pagbabago. Kailangan pong magbago ang ating pananaw hinggil sa oras,” said Coloma.
 
“Let us show the world that the true Filipino time is the one observed by our countrymen” who are always on time, Binay said. “Each of us should start acting on true Filipino time… there is no better time than now,” he added.
 
In sync
 
During the event — which ironically started minutes later than scheduled, at 6:28 pm rather than the 6 pm stated — watches and other timekeeping devices were synchronized at exactly 7:00 pm Philippine Standard Time.
 
The PST is based on a timing system consisting of an atomic clock, a Global Positioning System receiver, a time interval counter, a distribution amplifier, and a computer. This system automatically calculates the exact time, 24 hours a day, based on satellite positions.
 
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is the official timekeeper of the country, and is the agency handling this timekeeping system at its Astronomical Observatory at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
 
People can synchronize their clocks, watches, and other devices with the PST via the PAGASA website, specifically at http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ourtime.shtml, or by calling (632) 929-1237.
 
The “Juan Time” campaign is spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology, and supported by various government agencies and private organizations and companies.

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!