CH may return to five-day workweek soon – Archival

CEBU, Philippines — Citing the improved situation and fewer reported brownouts, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said he is looking to revert City Hall to its traditional five day workweek.

The mayor, in an interview, disclosed that the city government is considering ending the four day compressed schedule that was reintroduced on September 21 as a response to rotational brownouts and rising fuel costs.

The move would mean City Hall offices no longer need to rely heavily on generator sets, which consume additional diesel and gasoline.

Archival also acknowledged receiving complaints from residents and employees about the shortened workweek, noting that many prefer government offices to be open daily to ensure uninterrupted services.

“Naay mga nangreklamo diri sa atong buhatan nga ganahan gyud sila nga naa ang gobyerno unya ang atong uban sab nga mga services kung akong ipa-open ang kadaghanan, parehas ra gihapon og nag-five day workweek ta, so, I think, last na ni nako rong semanaha, kung unsa gani mubalik ta kay ang VECO (Visayan Electric) man pud, minos na man ang brownout,” he said.

The compressed workweek was first introduced in April 2026 under an executive order aimed at conserving electricity and water while still meeting the 40 hour weekly requirement through longer daily shifts.

However, after a month of implementation, the city reverted to the regular schedule due to operational challenges and mixed results in utility savings. The legislative department later returned to the four-day workweek.

Archival then reinstated the four-day workweek for the rest of City Hall last month as a cost saving measure amid recurring brownouts and high fuel prices.

Earlier, the City Council supported Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s push to continue the operations of the city’s 24/7 hub alongside the City Library, as well as the Liga ng mga Barangay-Cebu City office’s five-day workweek schedule. — /MRM (FREEMAN)