Cebu City Pilots Four-Day Workweek to Enhance Efficiency and Conserve Energy
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has mandated the implementation of a four-day workweek on a pilot basis for the City Government, effective Monday, April 6, 2026. This initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption in response to the global oil crisis exacerbated by the Middle East conflict.
New Work Schedule and Operational Details
Under the executive order, City Hall offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with working hours set from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including a 30-minute lunch break. Mayor Archival emphasized that the measure is designed to promote responsible resource use, enhance workplace productivity, and ensure public services remain accessible without disruption.
Focus on Energy Conservation and Compliance
The order highlights the need to conserve electricity and fuel, aligning with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. It also responds to National Government calls for alternative work arrangements amid rising global energy costs. Essential and frontline services, such as health and medical services, disaster response, police and fire operations, traffic management, and sanitation, will continue uninterrupted. Offices providing these critical functions may adopt shifting schedules to maintain 24/7 operations.
Implementation and Coverage
The directive applies to all departments, offices, and instrumentalities of the City Government, including those in City-managed facilities. Department heads are required to ensure sufficient personnel are available at all times to sustain service delivery. The Human Resource Development Office and the Office of the City Administrator will issue detailed guidelines for implementation, covering personnel deployment and scheduling.
Pilot Evaluation and Future Decisions
The four-day workweek will run as a pilot until April 17, 2026. During this period, the City will monitor electricity consumption and operational costs, with concerned offices documenting energy usage to assess effectiveness. City officials will evaluate whether to continue, modify, or discontinue the arrangement based on collected data and its impact on public service delivery.
Additional Measures and Encouragements
The executive order revokes all existing flexible work arrangements, requiring employees to adhere to the new schedule. Barangays and National Government agencies operating in Cebu City are encouraged to adopt similar work arrangements, subject to their own regulations, to further support energy conservation efforts.
