Lapu-Lapu, agencies adopt energy-saving measures

CEBU, Philippines — Taking part in the national energy-saving measures, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan has ordered a two-week study on the possible adoption of a four-day workweek at City Hall.

“I have directed the concerned offices to conduct a two-week assessment of the possible impact of a compressed work schedule,” said King-Chan.

The directive followed Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by the Office of the President on March 6, which calls on government agencies to implement stricter energy-saving initiatives.

City Administrator Atty. DaniloAlmendras, Human Resource Management and Development Office head Atty. Mario Dennis Calvo, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Misaellee Tejano, and City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon met with the mayor to discuss the feasibility of adopting a compressed work schedule.

Mayor King-Chan said she is open to the proposal but emphasized that its impact on public service delivery must be carefully evaluated, particularly access to basic government services.

She stressed that frontline offices providing health services, public safety, disaster response, and other essential functions will continue to operate normally should the scheme be implemented.

The mayor also instructed concerned offices to assess the operational implications of the proposed work arrangement within two weeks.

Separately, King-Chan directed the General Services Office to closely monitor fuel allocations to city departments, national agencies, and barangays receiving fuel subsidies, with the aim of cutting fuel consumption by at least 20 percent, in line with Memorandum No. 2026-024 issued on March 4.

She further urged offices to coordinate official travel to avoid redundant trips and to strictly observe fuel-saving measures.

The city government is also enforcing a policy that prohibits overtime work without prior approval and proper justification, as part of broader efforts to reduce operational costs.

These measures form part of the Lapu-Lapu City Government’s response to rising global oil prices and national calls for energy conservation.

Philhealth retains five-day work scheme

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has assured members that all frontline and hospital-based services will continue operating on a regular five-day schedule even as the agency implements adjusted work arrangements for select administrative and back-office personnel beginning March 9, 2026.

Under the arrangement, administrative and back-office personnel will observe a compressed onsite schedule from Monday to Thursday with a ten-hour workday. Meanwhile, frontline offices and critical operational units will maintain their regular Monday-to-Friday operations to ensure uninterrupted service to members.

In Central Visayas, PhilHealth Regional Office 7 guaranteed members that several key services will remain fully operational throughout the five-day workweek. These include the PhilHealth Customer Assistance, Relations, and Empowerment Staff (PCARES) desks in hospitals and Malasakit Centers, Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs), PhilHealth Express Offices, and satellite offices.

Also continuing their normal operations are claims processing services, including the Benefit Administration Section, Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section, Claims Review Committee, and the agency’s Information Technology (IT) services.

While administrative personnel will follow the compressed onsite work schedule, PhilHealth emphasized that staff will remain reachable and responsive on Fridays for urgent operational requirements and member concerns.

PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Mercado underscored that the agency’s commitment to public service remains unchanged despite the new setup.

“The efficiency offered by this arrangement must translate into better, more focused service delivery,” added Dr. Mercado. “Our digital portals and frontline desks remain your reliable partners in health, every day of the business week.”

CPA implements four-day work scheme

Meanwhile, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) also announced the implementation of a four-day workweek at its main office in compliance with the same memorandum issued by the Office of the President on March 6, 2026.

Under the new setup, the CPA Main Office will operate from Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while Fridays will be observed under an on-call and work-from-home arrangement as part of the agency’s cost-saving initiatives aimed at reducing fuel and energy consumption.

Despite the schedule adjustment, the port authority assured stakeholders that essential services will continue without disruption.

“Fridays shall be observed under an on-call and work-from-home arrangement as part of the agency’s cost-saving initiatives aimed at reducing fuel and energy consumption,” reads the CPA advisory.

The CPA further emphasized that port operations will remain fully functional to ensure the continuous movement of goods and services.

The adjusted work arrangement forms part of the government’s nationwide energy conservation efforts in response to rising global oil prices and is in compliance with Malacañang Memorandum Circular No. 114, which directs government agencies to adopt flexible work arrangements to reduce fuel consumption and electricity use by 10 to 20 percent.— (FREEMAN)