Both Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City will implement four-day workweek arrangements beginning next week, citing rising fuel prices and global energy strains linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The Mandaue City Government will adopt a four-day work week, with Fridays designated as work-from-home days for employees whose duties are primarily administrative.
Offices requiring on-site presence—such as the City Hospital, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and City Market—will implement alternative arrangements to be determined by department heads.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. said Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano is expected to sign the executive order on April 10, with implementation set to begin next week.
“After sige og observe naka decide na ang mayor, (kay) padayon man gyud ang pagsaka naka decide na i-implement ang four-day work week at the city hall and ang Friday would be work from home,” Malig-on said.
He added that the city initially monitored the situation but decided to proceed due to the continued increase in fuel prices.
“Bisan pa og naay temporary ceasefire, it will not relieve itself immediately pa, two weeks pa man na. Maong naka decide gyud ang mayor nga i-implement na gyud,” he said.
Malig-on explained that eligibility for work-from-home arrangements will depend on the nature of work. Personnel engaged in administrative tasks may work remotely, while essential service.
This includes health and medical services, disaster response, police, fire protection, public safety, solid waste management, traffic enforcement, collection services, slaughterhouse operations, City Market, City Treasurer’s Office, and the Office of the Mayor—are required to report physically, although some personnel may still be allowed remote work.
Department heads of offices required to report on-site must submit action plans by April 14 outlining implementation strategies.
The city has also begun fuel-saving measures, including limiting the use of government vehicles to essential trips and promoting energy conservation.
Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City Government announced a temporary four-day workweek for selected offices under Executive Order No. 2026-23-A issued by Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” K. Chan. The directive takes effect April 13, 2026.
Participating offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a 30-minute lunch break.
The measure aims to reduce electricity consumption in government buildings and cut fuel use associated with daily commuting.
Mayor Chan said the move aligns with efforts to address rising fuel prices and limited energy reserves.
“This is a proactive step to help manage our resources efficiently while maintaining essential public services,” she said.
Critical units such as hospitals, disaster response, and public safety services will continue operating under the regular five-day schedule from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to ensure uninterrupted services.
The order also suspends routine overtime work for offices under the four-day schedule, although exceptions may be granted for urgent matters with prior approval from the mayor.
If a public holiday falls on a Friday, regular work hours will temporarily revert to the standard five-day schedule for that week.
The policy takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice as local authorities monitor energy conditions and national developments. (VCL)
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