DAR-NIR launches bike-to-work program amid oil crisis

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform-Negros Island Region has launched “Padyak to Work” in support of the national mandate for fuel-saving measures amid the global oil crisis tied to tensions in the Middle East.

The program encourages officials and personnel to use bicycles and non-motorized transport for their daily commute, reducing fuel reliance while promoting physical fitness.

The initiative was also integrated into the agency’s Gender and Development efforts, promoting an inclusive environment where employee health and well-being are prioritized.

DAR-NIR director Lucrecia Taberna said she and the president of the DAR Rank and File Employees Union devised the strategy as a way to contribute, considering the agency has been instructed to limit operations to 10 hours a day under a four-day work week setup.

The launch kicked off with a ceremonial bike send-off from North Capitol Road here, followed by a Zumba session to highlight the agency’s commitment to employee wellness and energy-saving goals.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government has imposed a flexible work arrangement through Memorandum No. 099, series of 2026, effective April 6.

The memorandum is part of the energy conservation measures directed by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Under the arrangement, all offices and departments will implement onsite work from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with work-from-home every Friday for tasks that can be done outside offices, such as research, policy work, data processing, drafting, reporting, email communication, and computer-based tasks.

Frontline services, public safety, health emergency response, and other essential operations will continue under alternative schedules.