Five public schools were Thursday named The Outstanding W.A.T.C.H. Schools (TOWS) for 2009-2010 for advocating the significance of time consciousness and instilling the value of honesty among its students.

Four schools from Region XI and one school from Region V were awarded for implementing projects that teach students the value of punctuality as an integral part of the Filipino time.

Magugpo Pilot Central Elementary in Tagum City (Region XI) was awarded first prize followed by Don Manuel H Gutierrez Sr. Elementary School in Davao City (Region XI); Paaralang Elementarya ng Salvacion in Panabo City, Davao del Norte (Region XI); Guihing Central Elementary School in Davao del Sur (Region XI) and Baao National Central School in Camarines Sur (Region V).

These schools, according to DepEd Special Events Unit Head Luz Dela Rosa, were chosen among the 21 schools that submitted entries for the national search. “These schools emerged as the best among hundreds of schools division, districts and regional levels,” she said.

W.A.T.C.H. or We Advocate Time Consciousness and Honesty is a joint values advocacy movement between JCI Senate Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Office of the President for Education.