At the strike of 7:00 PM, Vice President Jejomar Binay synchronizes his wristwatch with the Philippine Standard Time while Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo joins the countdown. Through Juan Time, DOST reminds the public to have only one official time and enjoins the media to use the PST in their time checks. The PST can be accessed at the website of DOST-PAGASA the country’s official timekeeper (URL: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or http://www.weather.gov.ph Photo by Framelia V. Anonas
To sync all time pieces in the country’s more than 7,100 islands, the Department of Science and Technology with several partners re-introduced to the public the Philippine Standard Time. Dubbed “Juan Time”, DOST’s campaign aims to promote the nationwide use of the PST (hence “Juan Time”, a word play on “One Time” and “Juan” being the common name for Filipinos) and sync timepieces with the PST.
“Time is a resource that is very important but often overlooked,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo. “Other than its social and economic value, time is something that can unite us as Filipinos.”
“Juan Time reminds Filipinos that keeping to the PST avoids the difficulties of having confusing, unsynchronized time,” Montejo added.
Established decades ago, the PST is set by DOST’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country’s official timekeeper since 1978 as mandated by Section 6 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 8.
The PST is set via DOST-PAGASA’s timing system that consists of rubidium atomic clock, Global Positioning System receiver, time interval counter, distribution amplifier, and a computer. The system automatically calculates its time difference with every satellite within its antenna’s field of view. The PST is available online at the DOST-PAGASA website (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph).
“We encourage the broadcast networks to refer to the PST when giving time check to the public,” said Montejo.
At Juan Time’s official launch Sept. 30 at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia, DOST, through the Science and Technology Information Institute, and its partners Metro Manila Development Authority, SM Supermalls, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, Timex, Petron, Chevrolet, Sagitarrius Mining Corporation, Team Manila, Lamoiyan Corporation, PICAR development, Inc, and AMA Universities, as well as media partners Discovery Channel, BusinessWorld and People’s Television Network, Inc. led the nation in synchronizing time pieces with the PST. The JCI Senate Philippines, proponent of Project WATCH (We Advocate Time Consciousness & Honesty) also gave support to the campaign.
Vice President Jejomar Binay keynoted the launch. Special guests were DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma, Bam Aquino, Tony Meloto, and Albert Gamboa, among others. Exhibits, film showing, and performances were held from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at the venue. Musician-educator Jim Paredes hosted the event. Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service
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