The Mandaue City Government has officially ended its four-day compressed workweek policy and reinstated a regular five-day workweek, responding to public calls for more accessible government services.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced that City Hall offices have resumed normal operations to ensure uninterrupted public service. The mayor emphasized that the five-day workweek offers greater convenience for constituents, allowing them easier access to government transactions and document processing.
The compressed workweek was implemented on April 17, 2026, as an emergency measure to reduce fuel and electricity consumption amid soaring global oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East. Many local government units adopted similar arrangements following Memorandum Circular 114 from Malacañang, which directed a 10 to 20 percent reduction in electricity and fuel consumption due to supply concerns linked to geopolitical tensions.
Under the compressed schedule, Fridays were designated as work-from-home days for government employees to conserve fuel and energy while cutting operational expenses.
Despite returning to a five-day schedule, Mayor Ouano stated that the City will continue implementing conservation and energy-saving initiatives. These include minimizing fuel consumption for government vehicles and closely monitoring electricity use in City Hall offices. Employees are still required to turn off lights and air-conditioning units when offices are unoccupied.
Operational Savings Assessment
Mayor Ouano has requested data from the City Administrator’s Office to compare savings generated under the four-day workweek with expenses under the restored five-day schedule. City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. is consolidating reports from department heads to determine the difference in operational costs between the two work arrangements.
Malig-on stressed that the City prioritized uninterrupted public service over cost-cutting measures, regardless of the amount saved during the compressed workweek. “Whether the savings are significant or minimal, what matters most to the City Government is ensuring that the public continues to receive proper service and that there are personnel in offices to maintain normal operations,” he said.
The Mandaue City Government remains committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with the delivery of efficient and accessible services to its residents.
