Several LGUs Shift to Four-Day Workweek to Conserve Energy

Several local government units across the country have begun implementing a four-day workweek as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption amid rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Among the areas adopting the new schedule are the provinces of Basilan and Bohol, as well as several cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental and Pangasinan.

Under the arrangement, local government offices will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday, maintaining the standard 40-hour workweek while reducing the number of days employees need to travel to work.

Officials clarified that frontline and emergency services will continue operating from Monday to Friday to ensure uninterrupted public service.

In Negros Occidental, the towns of Murcia and Ilog, along with Silay City, have implemented the new work schedule.

The policy has also been adopted across the entire province of Bohol, including its capital Tagbilaran City, as well as throughout Basilan province.

Meanwhile, several areas in Pangasinan have joined the initiative, including Lingayen, Mapandan, Manaoag, Agno, Bugallon, Bani, Basista, Calasiao, Burgos, and Dagupan City.

Local officials said the measure supports the national government’s push for energy efficiency and reduced fuel consumption as global oil prices continue to fluctuate.