Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu adopt 4-day  work week

CEBU, Philippines — The cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu are adopting the four-day work week schemes starting next week to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

The move comes as global energy pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict continue to drive up fuel costs.

In Mandaue City, the four-day work week will be implemented at City Hall, with Fridays designated as work-from-home (WFH) days for qualified employees.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on Jr. said Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano is expected to sign the executive order on April 10, paving the way for implementation next week.

Malig-on said the city initially monitored the situation, hoping fuel prices would stabilize, but decided to act amid continued increases.

“After observing the situation and with fuel prices continuing to rise, the mayor decided to implement the four-day work week, with Fridays set for work-from-home,” he said.

He noted that even with a temporary ceasefire abroad, fuel prices are unlikely to ease immediately, prompting the city to adopt the measure.

Under the arrangement, employees performing primarily administrative functions may work remotely on Fridays, while those in essential services will continue to report on-site.

These include personnel from the City Hospital, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, police and fire units, public safety, solid waste management, traffic enforcement, and other frontline services.

Department heads are required to submit action plans by April 14 to ensure continuity of operations.

Malig-on added that the city has already begun fuel-saving measures, including limiting the use of government vehicles to essential trips and promoting energy conservation.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City will implement a temporary four-day work week for selected offices starting April 13, under Executive Order No. 2026-23-A issued by Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan.

The policy aligns with national guidance encouraging government agencies to adopt energy-saving measures amid rising fuel prices.

Under the order, covered offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with extended working hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a 30-minute lunch break.

“This is a proactive step to help manage our resources efficiently while maintaining essential public services,” King-Chan said.

Critical offices, including hospitals, disaster response units, and public safety services, will remain on a regular five-day schedule to ensure uninterrupted operations.

The order also suspends routine overtime work for offices under the four-day setup, subject to exceptions for urgent matters with the mayor’s approval.

City officials added that if a public holiday falls on a Friday, offices will temporarily revert to a standard five-day schedule for that week.

The policy will remain in effect until further notice as authorities continue to monitor fuel prices and energy conditions. FPL CEBU NEWS