MANILA — Selected government offices under the executive branch begin a temporary four-day work week starting today after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the measure as part of contingency efforts to cushion the possible economic impact of the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The directive, announced by Marcos in a video message on Friday, is intended to help the government manage potential pressure on national resources, particularly energy costs, as global tensions threaten to disrupt oil supply and drive up fuel prices.
“Para naman sa bahagi ng pamahalaan: Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day work week sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo,” Marcos said.
The President clarified, however, that agencies providing essential and emergency services will not be covered by the policy.
Among those exempted are the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and government offices that provide frontline public services.
Marcos also ordered government offices to suspend non-essential activities, including official travel, study tours, team-building events, and meetings that can instead be conducted virtually.
In addition, he directed agencies to trim operational expenses and intensify efforts to conserve energy and fuel as part of broader resource-saving measures.
The President urged offices to reduce electricity consumption and petroleum use by 10 to 20 percent.
At the same time, Marcos instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to continue coordinating assistance for Filipinos in Gulf countries affected by the conflict.
“Nasimulan na po ang paglikas ng mga Pilipino na nais magpa-repatriate at sa oras ligtas na ang pag biyahe ay ma-ilikas na natin lahat,” he said./PN
