ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government has scrapped its 10-hour compressed workweek arrangement and restored the regular five-day work schedule after employees raised concerns over its impact on their health, commuting conditions, family responsibilities, and work efficiency.
The order took effect immediately after Officer-in-Charge Governor Dr. Raul Banias, the provincial administrator, signed Executive Order No. 064, Series of 2026 on Wednesday, May 27, lifting the compressed workweek arrangement earlier implemented under Executive Order No. 034, Series of 2026.
The compressed workweek had been adopted as part of the provincial government’s energy and fuel conservation measures in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by the Office of the President.
However, mounting complaints from employees prompted the provincial government to reconsider the policy.
The Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE) reportedly raised concerns over the effects of the 10-hour work schedule on employees’ “health and well-being, commuting conditions, family responsibilities, and overall work efficiency,” and appealed for a modification of the existing arrangement.
Provincial officials also noted that easing fuel prices and transportation costs reduced the need to continue the compressed workweek setup.
“It is deemed beneficial and in the best interest of the service to restore the regular five-day workweek schedule while maintaining existing energy conservation measures within the Iloilo Provincial Government,” the executive order stated.
Under the new arrangement, the provincial government will revert to the flexi-time system that had been in place before Executive Order No. 034.
Employees will be allowed to report for work anytime between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., provided they complete the required daily working hours and end work no later than 5:30 p.m.
Despite the return to regular working hours, all provincial government offices, hospitals, and units will continue implementing energy conservation measures under the earlier executive order and related issuances./PN
