Before the implementation of PhST, Philippine time was based on the solar time of Manila. This means that the time varied across the country, with some areas being ahead or behind by a few minutes. This caused confusion and difficulties in communication, especially with the rise of modern technology.
In 1936, the Philippine government adopted the Western Indonesian Time (WIT), which is seven hours ahead of the UTC. However, this standard was not universally recognized, and different agencies and institutions still used different time standards. This led to further confusion and difficulties in coordination.
To address this issue, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) was tasked to be the official timekeeper of the country. In 1978, the PhST was introduced, and it is now used as the official time standard in the Philippines.
The PhST is set by PAGASA using highly accurate atomic clocks. It is adjusted twice a year to account for daylight saving time, which is not observed in the Philippines. During the daylight saving time period, the PhST is advanced by one hour to take advantage of the longer daylight hours.
The PhST is important for various government functions, including scheduling events and meetings, setting deadlines, and coordinating with other agencies. It is also important in the private sector, where businesses rely on accurate and synchronized time for their operations.
Moreover, the PhST is also significant in the field of science and technology. Accurate timekeeping is crucial in many scientific experiments and technological applications, such as GPS navigation and satellite communication. The PhST also plays an important role in the study of weather and climate, as it allows meteorologists to accurately time weather observations and forecasts.
The use of PhST is also relevant in international communication and coordination. As the PhST is based on UTC, it allows for easy synchronization with other countries, especially those in the same time zone. This makes it easier for the Philippines to communicate and coordinate with its neighboring countries, as well as with international organizations.
In conclusion, the Philippine Standard Time is an important time standard in the country. It provides a universal time standard that is synchronized with the global time standard, allowing for accurate and synchronized coordination in various fields. The PhST also plays a significant role in government, business, science, and technology. Its adoption has greatly improved communication and coordination in the Philippines, and it continues to be an important aspect of the country’s development.