Cebu City Launches Four-Day Work Week Pilot Program
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has mandated the implementation of a four-day work week for the city government, effective April 6, 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce energy usage across municipal offices.
New Work Schedule Details
Under the executive order, government offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with working hours extending from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, inclusive of a 30-minute lunch break. Mayor Archival emphasized that this restructuring aims to boost employee productivity while ensuring responsible resource management.
The move aligns with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, promoting savings on electricity and fuel. It also responds to national government calls for alternative work arrangements amid rising global energy prices.
Continuity of Essential Services
Despite the shortened work week, all essential and frontline services will remain fully operational without disruption. This includes:
- Medical and healthcare services
- Disaster response operations
- Police and fire department activities
- Traffic management
- Sanitation services
- Other critical public functions
Offices providing these services may implement shifting schedules to ensure 24-hour coverage, maintaining public safety and service delivery.
Pilot Program and Evaluation
The four-day work week will be observed on a pilot basis until April 17, 2026. During this period, city officials will closely monitor electricity consumption and operational costs. Following the pilot phase, a comprehensive review will determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the program based on collected data and its impact on public service quality.
All previous flexible work arrangements have been canceled to ensure uniform adherence to the new schedule. Additionally, barangays and national government agencies within Cebu City are encouraged to adopt similar measures to support the city's energy conservation goals.
