MANILA, Philippines- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered the temporary implementation of a four-day workweek in some executive branch offices starting March 9, as part of the government’s efforts to conserve energy and reduce fuel use amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
"For the part of the government: Beginning Monday, March 9, we will temporarily implement a four-day work week for some offices under the executive branch," the President said in a video message.
"This does not include those providing emergency services such as the police, firemen, and other offices offering frontline services to the public," he added.
Shortly following the President’s announcement, Malacañang released Memorandum Circular (MC) 114, which provides additional details on the implementation of the directive.
The order will cover all national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, local government units, constitutional bodies, state universities and colleges, and other government instrumentalities.
“There is an urgent need to adopt strict energy conservation measures, to further reduce the energy footprint of government operations and optimize the use of public resources,” the President said in his order.
The four-day onsite work arrangements will remain in effect until lifted or sooner revoked by the president, according to MC 114.
“This arrangement shall serve as an interim measure, to be continued only until circumstances warrant its modification o r discontinuance,” it added.
In addition to the shortened workweek, Marcos directed government agencies to cut their electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.
Under the memorandum, government offices are instructed to maintain air-conditioning at 24 degrees Celsius, adding that non-essential lights and electronic equipment must be turned off during lunch breaks and after office hours.
Office equipment should also be set to sleep mode when not in use.
Marcos also ordered a temporary suspension of non-essential travel and activities, including study tours, team-building activities, and meetings that can instead be conducted online.
