The Mandaue City Government may revert to a regular five-day workweek after receiving feedback that its current four-day work arrangement is less convenient for residents conducting transactions at City Hall.
Mayor Cites Public Convenience
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced that the city is gathering and finalizing data from various departments to decide whether to continue or scrap the four-day workweek. He noted that the savings generated under the current setup are not significantly different from those under the regular schedule.
“The disparity in savings is not that big and it is more convenient for the public and our constituents to return to the regular Monday-to-Friday work schedule because that is what they have been used to for a long time,” Ouano said.
He added, “I instructed Administrator Gonzalo ‘Sally’ Malig-on to bring back the five-day workweek because based on the feedback I received, it is more convenient for people, especially for their transactions.”
Background of the Four-Day Workweek
The four-day workweek was implemented to help conserve fuel and reduce transportation expenses when fuel prices were increasing amid tensions in the Middle East. Ouano explained that with fuel prices now easing, the City Government is reassessing the arrangement.
“Hopefully prices will continue to go down,” Ouano said, expressing optimism about further reductions.
Continued Conservation Measures
Despite the possible return to a five-day workweek, Ouano assured the public that the City would continue implementing conservation measures, including energy and fuel-saving initiatives. He emphasized the City Government’s commitment to easing the burden on residents through programs such as free rides, support initiatives for the transportation sector, and subsidies from the National Government.
