San Fernando to implement 4-day workweek

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines – Due to the onset of the summer season with hot weather being experienced in most parts of the country, the city government here is implementing a four-day workweek in April and May.

Mayor Pablo Ortega issued an executive order yesterday for the four-day workweek, saying the move is an austerity measure and for city employees to have more time with their families.

Starting next week, city employees are required to report for work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays, until May 31.

“Considering the need to respond to the call to adopt measures to mitigate the ill effects of climate change, especially the El Niño phenomenon, the city government decided to adopt the four-day workweek for the months of April and May,” Ortega said.

Ortega said the city government has implemented this shortened workweek since 2005 as an austerity measure.

He said though personnel in front-line services, such as those in the health office, are not covered by his order as they are working 24 hours daily.

Ortega said he believes that the initiative will also lead to substantial savings from power and other related office operating and maintenance costs.