Project W.A.T.C.H. erases stigma of ‘Filipino time’

Recognizing the need to change the negative perception attached to “Filipino time,” the Department of Education (DepEd) recognized and honored schools that inculcate punctuality as well as honesty among learners and teachers.

DepEd, together with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Philippines awarded 20 public schools which championed the implementation of Project W.A.T.C.H. or the “We Advocate Time Consciousness and Honesty” at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City recently.

Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and School Sports Tonisito Umali said that “it is high time to change the perception of other nations toward the so-called Filipino time and that Project W.A.T.C.H. helps achieve it.”

‘Filipino time’ is characterized by being minutes or hours late compared to the standard time.

“Valuing time and honesty are the two types of discipline that we need to inculcate among our Filipino learners,” Umali said.

“These are the traits that they need to practice and master to become successful and disciplined citizens of the world,” he added.

Furthermore, Umali highlighted that this effort also benefits the community, not just the schools.

Because of Project W.A.T.C.H., Umali added that the “concept of honesty and being on time will now be a reality in our community and all our government offices.”

The awardees for the elementary level are Sto. Niño Elementary School from Central Luzon (champion); Santa Cruz Central Elementary School from Region XI (1st runner-up); Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School from Caraga region (2nd runnerup); Bato North Central School from Bicol region (3rd runner-up) and Sta. Maria Center SPED Center from Western Mindanao (4th runner-up). Several other schools received consolation prizes.

The awardees for the high school level are Cabarroguis National High School of Arts and Trades from Cagayan Valley (champion); Raniag High School from Cagayan Valley (1st runner-up); Panabo National High School from Region XI (2nd runner-up); Cauayan City National High School from Cagayan Valley (3rd runner-up); Canabuan City National High School from Cagayan Valley II (3rd runner-up) and San Pedro National High School from Central Luzon, (4th runner-up).