THE provincial government of Apayao has adopted a four-day workweek starting June 5 to save on fuel and electricity and other operational expenses.
In a Memorandum Order No. 103 addressed to all employees, Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. said the shortened workweek is intended to save on expenses while still maximizing operational hours.
“Subject to the availability and sufficiency of manpower, the no-noon break policy shall be observed, especially by frontline personnel. Departments are mandated to schedule noon breaks of their employees in shifts in order to ensure that there is no vacuum created during lunch periods,” he said in a statement.
The governor’s order applies to all government personnel in Apayao, except for those required to attend to their duties daily such as hospital workers, guards, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) personnel.
The compressed workweek scheme starts at 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
Earlier, the Civil Service Commission issued interim guidelines authorizing government agencies to adopt flexible work arrangements to ensure effective and efficient delivery of public service.
In addition, the Department of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2023-065 provides that local government units are enjoined to adopt mitigation and preparedness measures for El Nino that may bring long dry spells.
