The Department of Science and Technology appealed to young Filipinos to recognize the importance of punctuality as a tool for success and to break the existing Filipino time culture of being late hours after the designated time.

The department highlighted the issue as part of the observance of the coming National Time Consciousness Week from 1 January to 7 2024.

With the theme "G na G! Oras Pinas para sa Bagong Pilipinas," the DOST aims to synchronize all the country's timepieces to foster a shared sense of punctuality.

In addition, the theme is designed to instill in the younger generation the importance of respecting each other's time, as the department aims to create a new and punctual nation.

According to the agency, by instilling in the younger generation a sense of the value of time, they will be able to use this in both their personal and professional lives.

"The department envisions a broader impact on the fabric of society, recognizing that the habit of being on time is a cornerstone in all aspects of businesses and activities," the DOST said in a statement on its website.

"The theme for 2024 speaks directly to the heart of the matter, urging Filipinos to embrace a culture where time is regarded with utmost importance," it added.

The NTCW is celebrated the first week of every year.

This advocacy aims to promote the new Philippine time, which is under Republic Act No. 10535, or the Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013.

Under the law, all national and local government agencies are required to adhere to and display the PST in their respective offices following the time provided by the DOST Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, the official timekeeper of the country, making the entities in unison and sync with each other.