Capitol back to regular work schedule

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu Provincial Government has lifted its four-day work week and resumed a regular five-day schedule starting May 4, 2026.

Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 27, Series of 2026, ending the compressed work arrangement that had been in place for more than a month as part of energy-saving measures.

Under the directive, all provincial offices have reverted to the standard Monday to Friday schedule, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules requiring a 40-hour work week.

The four-day work week was earlier implemented through Executive Order No. 16, Series of 2026, as a temporary response to rising energy concerns and sustainability efforts.

In the latest order, Baricuatro said prevailing conditions now warrant the normalization of operations to improve public service delivery and accessibility.

The governor emphasized the need to restore the regular schedule to enhance coordination among offices and ensure more efficient frontline services.

Despite the return to a five-day work week, the provincial government assured that energy conservation measures will remain in place.

Executive Order No. 27 directs all offices to continue implementing efficiency protocols consistent with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

Cebu Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano said the decision to lift the compressed schedule was influenced by several factors, including reduced fuel costs.

“Well, one consideration gud is that ninaog naman ang cost sa fuel,” said Durano.

He added that various departments had also requested a return to the normal work schedule.

“Unya secondly, last week there was really a request from the different departments nga mobalik na sa normal na work schedule,” he said.

Durano said the provincial government has yet to quantify how much was saved during the implementation of the four-day work week.

“Wala pa gyud na ma-quantify nato og pila na-save,” he said.

Even with the resumption of regular office hours, Durano said energy-saving practices will continue to be strictly enforced.

He pointed out that air conditioning remains one of the biggest contributors to energy consumption in government offices.

“Ang aircons has to be set not lower than 23… kay mao gyuy pinakadako gyud og kaon ang aircon,” he said.

Durano also confirmed that restrictions on official travel will remain in effect to help conserve fuel.

“Only essential travels gyud,” he said.

Departments have been advised to limit travel requests to critical activities requiring immediate attention.

“So we’re just advising all the departments nga kana ra gyung mga critical travels nga ilang pangayoan og request for travel orders,” he added.

Durano said these measures are part of the province’s continuing efforts to manage both fuel and energy consumption even after lifting the compressed schedule.

The four-day work week was implemented in March 2026, requiring Capitol employees to report from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CEBU NEWS)