Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced a return to the standard five-day workweek schedule effective June 1. This decision was communicated through a memorandum signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on May 28, reverting all DOLE bureaus, services, regional offices, and attached agencies to the traditional workweek arrangement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOLE had recently implemented a compressed workweek (CWW) as part of compliance with the Office of the President's Memorandum Circular (MC) 114. This directive encouraged government agencies to adopt energy conservation practices to address global market volatility, including alternative work arrangements like the four-day workweek to minimize energy usage.

During the period of the compressed workweek, the DOLE observed a significant decline in its electricity consumption, dropping from 113,560 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in February to 100,720 kWh in March. Additionally, the department reported a reduction in fuel consumption from 4,722.85 liters to 3,752.63 liters over the same timeframe, marking a decrease of 970.22 liters.

The department has assured that it will continue to implement energy conservation measures even as it reverts to the conventional five-day workweek.