WHEREAS, the Organized Response for the Advancement of Society, Inc. (ORAS), a non-government, non-profit and non-stock organization composed of leaders from all sectors of society, has continually and effectively promoted a national campaign for the transformation of the habit of our people in respect to the value of time and respect for the rights of others;

WHEREAS, punctuality and civility are two indispensable virtues that our citizenry must possess if we are to aspire for a peaceful, prosperous and united society;

WHEREAS, the ORAS movement has gained the popular support of every community, the public and private sectors, non-government organizations, other associations, and the media;

WHEREAS, 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 insuring a responsible citizenry.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the month of November 2008 as the National Consciousness Month for Punctuality (Respect for the Value of Time) and Civility (Respect for the Rights of Others) (Buwan ng Pagpapahalaga sa Oras at sa Karapatan ng Kapwa).

All government offices, local and national, and all public and private schools, colleges and universities, are enjoined to observe this month with appropriate programs to promote the twin values of punctuality and civility.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 8th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary