Bacolod to implement 4-day workweek starting March 16

BACOLOD CITY – This highly urbanized city will adopt a four-day workweek starting March 16 as part of the local government's energy conservation measures in compliance with Memorandum Circular 114 of the Office of the President (OP).

On Tuesday, Mayor Greg Gasataya issued an executive order implementing the work scheme, from Monday to Thursday, with office hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“By doing this, we can help the employees in Bacolod City and conserve fuel, electricity, and other resources,” Gasataya said in a statement.

Excluded from the 10-hour flexible work arrangement are departments and offices providing essential public services, including the City Health Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Department of Social Services and Development, City Engineer’s Office, Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, General Services Office and Public Order and Safety Office.

Gasataya said that to ensure sustained productivity, department heads will conduct weekly monitoring of their employees’ performance.

He added that employees under the flexible work scheme will use Fridays to assess and review their weekly work outputs.

In the executive order, Gasataya reiterated the measures promoting energy efficiency through technological upgrades and fuel conservation practices outlined in the directive he issued last month.

Also starting March 16, the Negros Occidental provincial government here will implement the compressed four-day workweek in accordance with the OP energy conservation protocols.

All Capitol offices and departments will adhere to office hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday.

"The province recognizes the need to adopt appropriate operational measures that align with national energy conservation protocols while maintaining the efficient delivery of public services," Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said in an executive order issued March 7.

OP's Memorandum Circular 114 dated March 6, 2026 directs all government agencies and instrumentalities, including local government units, to adopt and implement energy conservation measures in their respective offices to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PNA)