Iloilo Capitol ends four-day workweek

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government will return to a regular five-day workweek starting Monday, June 1, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 064, series of 2026, which lifted the compressed workweek arrangement adopted earlier this year.

The order, issued by the Office of the Governor, revoked Section 3 of Executive Order No. 034, which implemented a four-day compressed workweek as part of fuel and energy conservation measures amid rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Under the new directive, all provincial government personnel will revert to the regular Monday-to-Friday work schedule.

The flexitime arrangement observed before the compressed workweek will also continue, allowing employees to report between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., provided required daily working hours are completed and office operations end no later than 5:30 p.m.

The executive order cited concerns raised by the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees, particularly on the effects of the 10-hour work schedule on workers’ health, commuting conditions, family responsibilities, and overall efficiency.

The order also noted that current economic conditions and transportation costs have reduced the need for the continued implementation of the compressed workweek arrangement.

Despite the lifting of the four-day schedule, the provincial government said energy conservation measures under Executive Order No. 034 will remain in effect across offices, hospitals, and other provincial government units.

The order took effect immediately upon signing on May 27 at the Provincial Capitol.

The provincial government began implementing the compressed four-day workweek in March 2026 in response to Malacañang’s call for stricter energy conservation measures amid volatile global fuel prices.