GOVERNMENT offices and institutions have heeded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to adopt energy conservation protocols in response to looming massive oil price increases amid the widening conflict in the Middle East.
In issuing Memorandum Circular 114, s. 2026, the president expects government agencies and instrumentalities, including State Colleges, to implement a four-day onsite work setting beginning March 9, 2026.
In compliance with the directive, the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) has implemented a four-day compressed workweek and designated Mondays as a no-onsite workday starting March 9.
UPM Chancellor Michael Tee said on March 8 that Mondays will be designated as a “no onsite workday,” which means administrative personnel will not physically report to campus.
Employees will instead complete their required 40-hour workweek across the remaining four on-site days from Tuesday to Friday.
The personnel may choose among three work schedules: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Unit heads will coordinate with staff to determine which schedule ensures continuous work.
Meanwhile, Tee noted that classes will proceed as scheduled.
“Teaching and learning remain the university’s primary priority and will not be disrupted by these austerity measures,” the statement reads.
Manila LGU response
On Monday, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed Executive Order (EO) 8, mandating a four-day workweek for city government offices.
In a live address on his Facebook, Moreno said that on-site work will be from Monday to Thursday, under two schedules: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays, office operations will be suspended.
“It is the policy of the city government to adopt flexible work arrangements that enhance employees’ welfare while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential public services,” Moreno said.
Moreno emphasized that “No reduction in pay or statutory benefits shall be imposed without lawful authority and proper consultation.”
He clarified that essential and frontline workers are exempted from the mandate. These include emergency response units such as police, fire, ambulance and disaster response teams; health and sanitation services, including public health centers, clinics, solid waste management and markets; as well as utilities and other operations that must remain continuously staffed.
“Agencies providing essential services shall prepare staffing rosters and shift arrangements to ensure uninterrupted operations and public service availability; where necessary, rotational schedules shall be applied to ensure on-site coverage,” he added.
Uninterrupted services despite 4-day workweek
For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that the delivery of its programs and services will remain uninterrupted despite the implementation of a four-day compressed workweek across government agencies.
DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian subsequently issued a memorandum ordering the adoption of a compressed workweek in the department’s central and field offices nationwide.
Under the compressed workweek setup, the usual 40-hour workload spread over five days will instead be completed in four days, with personnel required to render 10 hours of work per day.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao assured the public that the department’s programs and services will not be disrupted by the new arrangement.
“You can be assured that our department’s programs and services will not be delayed,” Dumlao said.
Dumlao explained that all DSWD offices providing immediate assistance will remain open five days a week to ensure that the public continues to receive timely support.
“This includes our Disaster Response Command Center monitoring weather disturbances and other disasters, satellite offices processing Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, outreach for families in street situations, clearance for minors traveling abroad, the Walang Gutom Program and Kitchen, and all DSWD centers and residential care facilities,” she said.
Work arrangement at judiciary
The Supreme Court has also adopted flexible work arrangements and energy conservation measures in the Judiciary, including a four-day on-site and one-day work-from-home scheme for most of its personnel.
In a memorandum circular, the Court ordered that all officials and employees of the Supreme Court shall maintain a five-day workweek, rendering eight hours of work per day from Monday to Friday, consistent with the 40-hour workweek requirement.
Under the new arrangement, Fridays shall generally be observed as a work-from-home (WFH) day, “provided that, at least, 25 percent of the employees in each office or division shall report on-site every Friday, as determined by the head of office or division, to ensure continuity of operations.”
Personnel on WFH shall remain reachable during office hours through official communication channels and shall attend required meetings, hearings, conferences, or on-site work when directed.
“The WFH arrangement shall not be used to justify delay, inaccessibility, neglect of duty, or failure to meet required outputs,” the circular stated.
Workers’ welfare
Meanwhile, a group representing government workers and unions has warned that the president’s directive for strict energy conservation measures may compromise workers’ welfare, occupational safety and health, and quality of public services.
The Public Services Labor Independent Confederation, or PSLINK, issued the warning in response to the energy conservation protocols.
In a statement, the group said that the energy-saving measures — such as reduced air-conditioning, limited lighting, or restricted equipment use — must comply with workplace safety standards and ensure offices remain safe and conducive for both workers and the public.
“Many government offices already suffer from poor ventilation, overcrowded workspaces, outdated infrastructure, and limited natural light. Inadequate cooling may increase heat stress, fatigue, and decreased concentration, affecting employee health and productivity,” it said.
It pointed out that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable sectors seeking government services are already at risk under the present situation.
The group also noted that the circular’s proposed four-day workweek is already part of existing policies on flexible work arrangements, which remain underutilized or poorly implemented.
It also raised concern for job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers, who may face income loss if work hours are reduced or schedules altered during the implementation of the four-day workweek without safeguards.
It claimed further that the memorandum circular demands sacrifices from ordinary employees even as those at the highest levels of government have long engaged in energy-intensive excesses — costly official trips, lavish activities, and other expenditures funded by public resources — with little consequence.
with reports from Allen Limos, Moises Cruz,