ANTIQUE – Gov. Paolo Javier has issued an executive order adopting energy conservation measures and flexible work arrangements in the Provincial Government of Antique to reduce energy consumption.
The move supports Memorandum Circular No. 114, which calls on government agencies and local government units to implement stricter energy conservation initiatives.
Gov. Javier said the rising cost of fuel and the volatility of global energy markets necessitate the adoption of stricter energy-saving measures in government operations.
The provincial government also recognized the need to promote responsible energy consumption, reduce operational costs, and ensure efficient delivery of public services while supporting national policies on energy efficiency and conservation.
Under the executive order, all departments, offices, units, and instrumentalities of the provincial government are directed to implement energy conservation measures consistent with Republic Act No. 11285 and other relevant issuances of the Department of Energy.
Among the measures mandated are the strict implementation of the Government Energy Management Program, maintaining a standard thermostat setting of 24°C in all air-conditioned offices, and activating sleep settings on office equipment.
Offices are also required to turn off non-essential lights, air-conditioning units, and electronic equipment during lunch breaks and after office hours.
The order also promotes the use of virtual meetings as the default mode for coordination, consultations, seminars, and conferences, except when physical presence is legally required or operationally necessary.
Official travel will also be limited to essential functions in accordance with Executive Order No. 77 and related travel regulations.
The provincial government will also implement fleet efficiency measures to reduce fuel consumption, including trip consolidation, optimized route planning, reduced engine idling, and strict vehicle maintenance.
Compressed four-day workweek
The executive order also provides for a compressed four-day workweek for departments, offices, and units of the provincial government, subject to operational requirements and the need to ensure continuous public service.
Under the arrangement, employees will complete the required 40 working hours per week within four days, with office hours set from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
However, offices providing essential and frontline services will not be covered by the compressed workweek and will continue to operate under regular schedules.
These include the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital, all provincial hospitals and hospital management offices, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) unit under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the Pagsapupo Center, the Provincial Sports Development Office (PSDO), and quarry enforcement personnel under the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO).
Departments handling health services, hospital operations, public safety, disaster risk reduction and management, emergency response, engineering and infrastructure maintenance, and other critical frontline services will remain fully operational.
Heads of these offices may implement staggered schedules, skeletal workforces, rotational staffing, or other arrangements to ensure that public services remain uninterrupted./PN
