Cebu Province Adopts Four-Day Workweek to Conserve Energy

Cebu City, Philippines – Employees at the Cebu Provincial Capitol will commence working a four-day workweek, foregoing Fridays, as part of a modern initiative to conserve energy. The policy, formalized through Executive Order 16, series of 2026, signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, introduces a compressed work schedule and additional energy-saving measures for provincial offices.

Compressed Work Schedule Details

Under the new executive order, employees will work Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. To 7 p.m., completing the standard 40-hour workweek through extended daily shifts. This shift follows discussions within the Capitol aimed at promoting responsible energy use as reported by The Manila Times.

National Government Support and Context

Governor Baricuatro has encouraged the province’s 53 component cities and municipalities to consider similar measures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining essential public services. This move aligns with a national directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who implemented a temporary four-day workweek in selected executive branch offices starting March 9, 2026, to address rising fuel prices and conserve energy according to the Manila Bulletin.

Essential Services Exempted

Frontline offices providing critical services, including healthcare, emergency response, and public safety, will maintain their regular schedules. This ensures uninterrupted service delivery to the public.

Additional Energy Conservation Measures

The executive order likewise directs offices to implement several energy-saving practices, including:

• Maintaining air-conditioning at 24 degrees Celsius.
• Switching off non-essential equipment and lights during breaks and after hours.
• Maximizing natural lighting, and ventilation.

Monitoring and Potential Impacts

The Provincial Human Resource Management Office, Provincial General Services Office, and Provincial Planning and Development Office will monitor compliance with the new policy. Assistant provincial administrator Aldwin Empaces indicated that the government will study the social and economic effects of the policy, including potential impacts on commuters and transportation services like habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) and jeepneys as noted in The Manila Times.

Concerns and Considerations

Vice Governor Glenn Soco cautioned against a rushed implementation, highlighting potential disruptions to sectors like retail and healthcare. He suggested exploring alternatives such as reviewing daylight-saving time and preparing for possible inflationary effects as reported by The Manila Times.

Flexible Work Arrangements

The executive order allows for flexible work arrangements, including compressed workweeks, work-from-home days, staggered schedules, and rotational workforce systems, provided they comply with Civil Service Commission rules and maintain the 40-hour workweek standard according to the Manila Bulletin.