|
Manila: President Gloria Arroyo wants Filipinos to get serious about keeping time. A statement from the presidential palace has notified that November will be observed as national consciousness month for punctuality and civility.
In a presidential declamation dated October 8, which was released on Sunday, Arroyo said: "Punctuality and civility are two indispensable virtues that our citizenry must possess if we are to aspire for a peaceful, prosperous and united society.
"There is a need for a new breed of Filipino who makes the most of his time and respects the rights of his fellowmen to their time and freedom," Arroyo said.
The president called on government establishments to take the lead in instilling a culture of punctuality in society at large.
In her declaration, Arroyo noted that the Organised Response for the Advancement of Society (ORAS), a non-government organisation comprising leaders from various fields, had constantly raised the need to promote punctuality for almost a decade. The group's campaign seemed to be gaining popular acceptance, she said.
"Filipino time" is a phrase often used to describe the chronic tardiness of Filipinos. Sociologists warn the trait has come to be seen as a national characteristic.
|
