Metro Manila, Philippines – Identified government agencies will implement a four-day work week beginning March 9 to reduce energy consumption amid the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced.
Marcos made the directive through a video statement on Friday, March 6. This was formalized through Memorandum Circular 114.
According to the memorandum circular, all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, should adopt a four-day onsite work arrangement, through a compressed work week or designated common day for work-from-home arrangements.
“[It] shall remain in effect until lifted or sooner revoked by the president. This arrangement shall serve as an interim measure, to be continued only until circumstances warrant its modification or discontinuance,” read the document.
Agencies providing essential, basic, and vital service, including those responsible for health, public safety, and emergency preparedness and response, are not covered by the four-day work week and are expected to be fully operational.
“These agencies shall ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical functions and shall implement the Energy Conservation Protocols in a manner that does not impede or compromise their mandated services,” according to the circular.
Government agencies were previously directed to strictly implement measures to save energy, eyeing to realize at least 10 percent savings, through steps such as activating sleep settings on office equipment, and keeping the air-conditioning unit thermostat not lower than 24 degrees Celsius.
“Pansamantala ring ipinagbabawal ang mga biyahe at aktibidad ng pamahalaan na hindi naman kinakailangan gaya ng mga study tour, team building activities, o mga meeting na maaari namang gawing online,” Marcos said.
[Translation: There is a temporary ban on government trips and activities that are not needed like study tours, team building activities, and meetings that could be done online.]
Marcos has announced that diesel and kerosene prices will rise by double digits, while gasoline will hit over P7 per liter next week.
The Department of Energy has been appealing to oil companies to implement staggered increases.
