Capiz Capitol adopts four-day workweek

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Capiz provincial government will adopt the energy conservation policy ordered by the national government amid tensions in the Middle East.

Gov. Fredenil Castro issued a memorandum directing employees to implement a compressed four-day workweek in line with the national directive.

The new work arrangement will begin Monday, March 16, 2026.

Under the memorandum, office transactions will be conducted from Monday to Thursday.

Office hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.

Employees must complete the required 40-hour workweek within four days.

The initiative aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and maintain productivity while ensuring that public services remain efficient and uninterrupted.

Employees assigned to frontline services, especially in hospitals and other offices that provide continuous public service, will continue on regular work schedules.

Earlier, most towns in Capiz, including Roxas City, had already adopted similar conservation measures.

Some local government units extended office hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., while others used Friday as a work-from-home day.

The national government’s energy-saving directive is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 114, issued March 6, 2026, which ordered government agencies and instrumentalities to adopt strict energy conservation protocols, including a four-day on-site work arrangement starting March 9.

The Presidential Communications Office has said the measure is intended to cut electricity and fuel consumption in government operations as global energy prices remain volatile.