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In recent years, arriving late for meetings and appointments has become normal, and being late has become the stereotype of Filipinos already. In Metro Manila, the worsening traffic is usually used as an excuse by people for not getting somewhere on time. But if you ask those who are chronically late, most of them, if they are being honest, would tell you that they just don’t want to come early and wait.
This trend of habitual tardiness among our people, if unabated, will surely be counterproductive towards our goal of making our nation progressive. Efforts should be made now to change people’s mindset, make them understand that being “fashionably late” is not only rude but also shows disrespect of your own commitments, and that tardiness also has its costs.
Thankfully, the JCI Senate Philippines is implementing Project W.A.T.C.H. (We Advocate Time Consciousness and Honesty) with the Department of Education (DepEd) which aims to inculcate to the Filipino youth the value of Punctuality and Honesty in the development and productivity of our Nation.
Presidential Proclamation 1782 declared every month of June as a W.A.T.C.H Month and that for all schools, universities, colleges and department of local government offices and municipalities to conduct activities related to W.A.T.C.H. among their students, teachers, civil servants and constituents.
Free workshops for students and teachers were provided as part of this advocacy project which has its National (Virtual) Kickoff this year via FB Live last July 29, 2020 hosted by Canabuan National High School. Awarding for the 2020 National Search for Outstanding W.A.T.C.H. Schools will be on December 2020.
Earlier this year, the Community Transformation for Development (CTD) Foundation became the institutional partner for Project W.A.T.C.H. after its Founder and Chairman, JCI Sen. Conrad T. Dieza signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the JCI Senate Philippines. During the ceremonial signing, JCI Sen. Conrad T. Dieza expressed his support to the project and his belief that instilling these values to the next generation is a very good legacy to leave behind. He also added that “being punctual and honest will never go out of style”.
