• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government will continue implementing a compressed four-day work week, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday, June 9.
Lacson explained that the three-day weekend arrangement has provided significant benefits to Capitol employees.
The extended rest period, from Friday to Sunday, allows workers to recover from their duties and spend more time with their families, he added.
The governor said the policy has resulted in improved rest, better mental health, and enhanced overall job performance among provincial government employees since its implementation.
While the Provincial Capitol will maintain the four-day work scheme, Lacson emphasized that local government units (LGUs) are free to determine their own work schedules based on their respective operational needs and public service requirements.
Employees assigned to hospitals and disaster management units remain exempt from the compressed work week and continue to follow regular work schedules to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
Lacson added that LGUs opting to return to a five-day work week may do so, depending on public service demands and operational considerations.
In Negros Oriental, Governor Manuel Sagarbarria issued an executive order lifting the compressed work week for provincial government employees effective June 8. Employees resumed the regular work schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. | GB
