Bacolor Municipality Enacts Four-Day Workweek and Energy Efficiency Initiative
The municipal government of Bacolor has officially implemented a four-day workweek alongside comprehensive energy conservation measures through Executive Order No. 09, S-2026, issued by Mayor Eduardo G. Datu. This strategic policy aims to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and electricity usage across all local government facilities.
Compressed Work Schedule Details
According to the executive order, all municipal offices and departments will transition to a compressed work schedule effective March 9, 2026. Employees will work from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, ensuring the standard 40-hour workweek is maintained. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are designated as non-working days, though personnel may be called in for urgent or critical events requiring immediate attention.
Essential Services Maintain Regular Hours
Essential public services will continue operating on their regular Monday to Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This exemption applies to the Rural Health Unit I and II, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Traffic Management Unit to ensure uninterrupted community support.
Comprehensive Energy Conservation Protocols
The executive order mandates specific energy-saving practices for all municipal offices, including:
- Setting air-conditioning units to temperatures lower than 24 degrees Celsius
- Turning off air-conditioning systems two hours before the end of office hours
- Switching off lights and equipment during lunch breaks
- Placing computers and printers on sleep mode when not actively in use
- Maximizing natural lighting throughout office spaces
Transportation and Vehicle Use Restrictions
Vehicle usage must be strictly limited to essential and work-related operations under the new policy. Government personnel residing in the same geographic areas are strongly encouraged to practice car-pooling arrangements to further reduce fuel consumption and promote sustainable commuting practices.
Legal Framework and Government Directives
The executive order explicitly references Republic Act No. 11285, known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, as its foundational legal authority. Additionally, it aligns with Memorandum Circular No. 114 dated March 6, 2026, which directs all government agencies to implement energy conservation protocols and adopt flexible work arrangements as part of national efficiency initiatives.
Municipal officials emphasize that the compressed workweek must not disrupt public service delivery, requiring careful coordination among departments to maintain operational continuity while achieving the policy's conservation objectives.
