Metro Manila LGUs may set own adjusted work schedule – MMDA

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Don Artes speaks to the media at the MMDA office in Pasig City on March 6, 2024. Artes said Metro Manila’s local government units (LGUs) will have the final say regarding adjustments to their working hours.| PHOTO: MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s local government units (LGUs) may draw up their own adjusted work schedule as the resolution for the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work hours is merely a guide.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Romando Artes said Friday that the resolution of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) mandating the adjustment of LGU working hours in the capital region from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. is just a “general rule.”

“Pwede naman pong mag-adjust mga LGU, mga government agencies kung ano suited sa kanila. Meron pong nagsasabi na mas preferred nila ‘yong four-day workweek, pero nakasentro po ito na 7:00 magsisimula na po ‘yong serbisyo publiko, matatapos po ng 4 [p.m.],” he said said in an interview on Radyo 630.

(LGUs and government agencies may adjust to whatever suits them. Some of them say that they prefer the four-day workweek, but it must be centered on the schedule that public service starts at 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.)

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Artes said the ultimate goal of the MMC resolution modifying the work schedule of LGUs in Metro Manila starting April 15 is to help ease rush hour traffic congestion.

“Ang purpose or ‘yong direction is ikalat ‘yong ating mga government employees na hindi mapasabay doon po sa peak hours ng morning at sa afternoon,” he added.

(The purpose of your direction is to disperse our government employees so they do not have to go out all at once during peak hours in the morning and afternoon.)

Artes said LGUs in Metro Manila have 200,000 employees.