It's the time of the year when President Arroyo renews her nationwide campaign to persuade Filipinos to get rid of their notorious habit of being late and disrespecting other people’s rights.

In Proclamation No. 1927, the President has declared the month of November as national consciousness month for punctuality and civility.

Mrs. Arroyo urged all government offices, schools, colleges, and universities to initiate programs to promote the twin values of respect for the value of time and respect for the rights of others during the month-long awareness drive.

"Punctuality and civility are two indispensable virtues that our citizenry must possess if we are to aspire for a peaceful, prosperous and united society," the proclamation read.

"There is a need for a new breed of Filipino who makes the most of his time and respects the equal rights of their fellowmen to their time and freedom, thus ensuring a responsible citizenry," it added.

The national campaign was initiated by the Organized Response for the Advancement of Society Inc (ORAS), a non government organization, to promote the national transformation of the habit of people in respect to value of time and respect for rights of others. Filipinos are known for being always late, hence the term "Filipino time."

In the proclamation signed last October 26, the President noted that ORAS movement has gained popular support from public and private sectors, non government organization, other groups and media. (Genalyn Kabiling)