PAGASA launches new Viber channel

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday that it has a new Viber channel, which focuses on disseminating the Philippine Standard Time (PST) throughout the country.

In a statement, PAGASA said that the new Viber channel is named “Oras Pinas,” which aims to raise awareness of the value of timekeeping by providing timely and synchronized updates.

PAGASA said that there will be a 10-second countdown before the official changing of the minute hand, and updates will be given every 4 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The agency is encouraging other government agencies and even other Filipinos to join the newly-published channel.

“They can also join by clicking on the link or scanning the QR code provided via official PAGASA websites and social media accounts,” the PAGASA statement reads.

Aside from QR code scanning, the channel is also searchable by just typing “Oras Pinas” in the Viber search bar.

Republic Act 10535, also known as the Philippine Standard Time Act of 2013, mandates all national and local government offices to display the PST under the time released by PAGASA using its network time protocol.

The PST can be seen in the upper right portion of the PAGASA website.