DUBBED “Juan Time”—a word play on “one time” and “Juan,” the common name for Filipinos—the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reintroduced the Philippine Standard Time (PST) to sync timepieces in the country.“Time is a resource that is very important but often overlooked,” Science Secretary Mario Montejo said. “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 at Juan Time’s recent launch at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia.
Established decades ago, the PST is set by the 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 8.
The PST is set through the 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 web site (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.
Vice President Jejomar Binay keynoted the launch.
Juan Time’s launch was also attended by the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute, and the DOST’s partners, including Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, SM Supermalls, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, Timex, Petron, Chevrolet, Sagittarius Mining Corp., Team Manila, Lamoiyan Corp., Picar Development Inc. and AMA Universities.
The JCI Senate Philippines, proponent of Project WATCH (We Advocate Time Consciousness & Honesty) also gave support to the campaign.
Special guests were Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Sonny Coloma, Bam Aquino, Tony Meloto and Albert Gamboa, among others. Exhibits, film showing and performances were held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(F.V. Anonas/S&T Media Service)
