The concept of “Filipino time,” where locals arrive to either personal or professional occasions past the time agreed upon, is so 2000-and-late.
This is according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which wants to leave behind the toxic behavior in 2025 since it’s no longer giving.
“The campaign this coming year, titled “Oras Pinas: Filipino, On Time Ka!” aims to end the negative culture of ‘Filipino time’ and replace it with a new standard of discipline and respect for others’ time,” the DOST said in a statement.
This new year’s resolution is part of the department’s celebration of National Time Consciousness Week from January 1 to 7.
According to historian Xiao Chua, the Pinoy habit of being late traces itself to two historical roots.
Specifically, Filipino time was a status symbol during the Spanish era, when high-ranking officials would deliberately arrive late to demonstrate their social importance.
It was also a colonial label used by American administrators to characterize Filipinos as lazy.
“Being late isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a massive drain on the nation as economic productivity is directly tied to punctuality,” the DOST said.
It cited a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study that revealed the Philippines loses P3.5 billion daily due to severe traffic and the resulting delays in Metro Manila.
