Negros Occidental provincial capitol in Bacolod City (PNA Bacolod file photo)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to deliver maximum services to Negrenses in a four-day work week while there is no instruction yet from Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to revert back to the five-day workweek.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday Capitol employees are able to fulfill the work required of them and sometimes even more despite having a day-off every Monday.
“For now, there’s no guidance yet from the governor to return to the five-day work week. I’m also trying a get a feel from our employees on how they are performing under the four-day work week. What I heard is they can do more,” Diaz said in an interview with reporters.
He said that in a compressed workweek, the provincial government has been able to render services the same way under a regular five-day workweek.
“In terms of delivery of services, I believe we’re equally efficient. There has been no delay, no one suffered among those being served by the province. If that is the barometer then, there is no difference,” Diaz said.
He added that for the Capitol employees, the three days off from work, including the weekend, is beneficial for their health and well-being.
On March 16, the provincial government adopted the compressed four-day workweek in accordance with the energy conservation protocols issued by the Office of the President (OP).
Under the scheme, all Capitol offices and departments have office hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday.
The compressed work schedule ensures that the required 40 working hours per week are fully complied with.
In his directive, Lacson cited the OP’s Memorandum Circular 114, directing all government agencies and instrumentalities, including local government units, to adopt and implement energy conservation measures in their respective offices to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices brought by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Starting May 11, the cities of Bacolod, Bago and Silay were among the local government units in Negros Occidental that have already reverted back to the five-day workweek. (PNA)