Surigao del sur: The provincial government of Surigao del Sur is set to implement a four-day compressed work week starting this week as part of national efforts to conserve energy, an official announced on Tuesday. Governor Johnny Pimentel has issued Memorandum Order No. 28 to enforce the new schedule, aligning with Memorandum Circular No. 114 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that promotes energy-saving measures.

According to Philippines News Agency, the order stipulates that the compressed work week will be observed every second and fourth week of the month. During these weeks, government employees will work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., covering all provincial government personnel, including those on job order and contract-of-service agreements. Essential frontline offices are exempt from this schedule change to ensure continuous public service. These exempted offices include the Finance Cluster, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

In a similar move, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte has also adopted a compressed work schedule. Employees in Agusan del Norte will work from Monday to Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, offices that provide basic services, such as provincial hospitals, are exempt from the compressed schedule to maintain essential services.