City Hall goes four-day, Capitol still thinking it over

By Mariela Angella Oladive and Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The provincial government of Iloilo and Iloilo City Hall are taking different paths in responding to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a temporary four-day workweek, with the province citing operational challenges while the city has formally adopted the compressed schedule.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said implementing a four-day workweek at the provincial government may not be straightforward, citing the demands of local government work and public service obligations.

In an interview Monday, March 9, Defensor said the provincial government is reviewing the proposal in line with the energy conservation directive issued by the president.

However, he acknowledged that compressing the workweek could pose operational challenges for certain provincial offices.

“We will do our best to cooperate with the directive of the President,” he said.

Defensor said the Provincial Community Defense Action Cluster met last week to discuss possible adjustments, including the proposed four-day workweek and other electricity-saving measures.

He emphasized that the nature of government operations complicates the adoption of a shorter workweek even if working hours are extended.

“Sometimes even five days aren’t enough. In my case, we also have social obligations, so the week can feel short. You often end up working on Saturdays, whether you like it or not,” he said.

The governor added that some offices perform critical functions that make it difficult to adjust work hours without affecting public services.

“We are considering it [four-day workweek], but it’s very difficult. Virtual arrangements are possible, but again, it’s different when you’re physically in the office,” he stressed.

For now, the provincial government will continue implementing existing austerity and conservation policies while reviewing guidelines for possible adjustments.

The Iloilo Provincial Government earlier reiterated the implementation of austerity measures under Memorandum Order No. 182, series of 2023, which mandates reduced consumption of electricity, water, fuel, and other operational resources in provincial offices and hospitals.

These measures also align with Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by the president directing all government agencies to strictly follow energy conservation protocols amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have affected global fuel prices.

Beyond power conservation, the provincial government is also preparing for possible water shortages during the summer months, particularly if El Niño conditions intensify.

Defensor noted that some municipalities historically face water scarcity during the dry season, forcing residents to haul water from neighboring towns when local sources run dry.

To address the risk, the provincial government is coordinating logistical support and financial assistance for municipalities and barangays that may be affected by potential water shortages.

Meanwhile, most offices at Iloilo City Hall will now operate on a four-day onsite schedule from Monday to Thursday, while Fridays will be allotted for flexible work arrangements or community engagement activities.

The new work arrangement was stipulated in Executive Order No. 030, series of 2026, issued Monday, March 9, by Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu.

The order aligns with the temporary four-day workweek directive of the president intended to address rising energy costs driven by global oil price volatility.

“The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East Region have recently affected the rising cost of petroleum products/fuels and caused a domino effect on domestic prices of fuels,” the order read.

Under the policy, all city government employees, including those assigned to satellite offices and workstations, will report onsite from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Employees are required to conduct community engagement activities or fieldwork on Fridays when practicable.

If fieldwork is not necessary, employees may work under a flexible work arrangement that allows them to perform their duties from home or from another location conducive to productive work.

The order directs department heads to strictly monitor employee attendance and output through virtual attendance monitoring and a work accomplishment tracker.

These reports must be submitted to the City Human Resource Management Office every Monday or on the next working day.

The order also clarifies that officials and employees under the alternative work arrangement will only be entitled to compensatory overtime credit or overtime pay if they physically report to work and are authorized to render service beyond the regular eight-hour workday or 40-hour workweek.

The provision also covers work rendered on rest days, holidays, or special nonworking days.

Offices delivering essential, basic, and vital services will continue operating under the regular work arrangement despite the alternative work setup.

These include offices providing health services, social welfare, public order and safety, transportation and traffic management, and disaster preparedness and response.

Other offices that will maintain five-day onsite work include the Office of the City Treasurer, Local Economic Enterprise Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and other units performing vital and essential services as designated by the mayor.

Under the same order, the city government also established a fuel and energy conservation protocol while ensuring uninterrupted public service.

Among the measures is maintaining air conditioning units at a standard temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.

The policy also requires switching off nonessential lights and electronic equipment during lunch breaks and after office hours.

The operation of air conditioning units will be limited from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

Office lights must also be turned off from noon to 1 p.m., except in hallways and frontline offices serving the public.

Employees are encouraged to activate sleep settings on office equipment and minimize elevator use when moving between floors.

The order also encourages government offices to conduct virtual meetings when possible to reduce travel and fuel consumption.

To further conserve fuel, the city government will implement an integrated fleet management system for official vehicles.

The system includes measures such as trip consolidation, avoiding engine idling during waiting periods, adopting the full-tank method for fuel monitoring, and enforcing regular preventive vehicle maintenance.

The executive order also directs each office at City Hall to designate an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer to ensure full compliance with the energy conservation measures.