ILOILO — Work at the Iloilo Provincial Government will be fully suspended this Wednesday, April 1, giving employees an extended Holy Week break and aligning with the national government’s move to scale down operations ahead of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Acting Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque ordered the suspension through Memorandum Order No. 38 issued Tuesday, allowing Capitol employees to “properly observe” the religious holiday with their families while essential services remain uninterrupted.
“In celebration of the Holy Week, and to allow our employees the full opportunity to properly observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday with their families, work at the Iloilo Provincial Government is suspended on Wednesday, April 1, 2026,” part of Debuque’s memorandum stated.
Despite the suspension, offices delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other critical operations will continue functioning under regular work arrangements to ensure uninterrupted public service.
The provincial directive comes as Malacañang earlier announced a nationwide half-day work scheme for government employees on the same day, with work-from-home arrangements from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and suspension of work from 12:01 p.m. onwards.
“April 1, to all government employees, tomorrow 8 a.m. to 12 noon work from home; 12:01 p.m. hanggang 5 p.m. wala na pong pasok,” Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
The combined directives effectively grant government workers a total of four and a half days of break for the Holy Week, a move aimed at giving them ample time to travel and observe religious traditions.
The national policy, outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 116 issued by the Office of the Executive Secretary, similarly underscores the government’s intent to allow employees to fully participate in Holy Week observances while managing operational needs./PN
