Leyte provincial offices adopt flexi-work scheme, energy saving measures

TACLOBAN CITY-  The Leyte provincial government has adopted a flexible work arrangement and a series of energy conservation measures for its offices, following a directive from the national government to curb fuel and electricity consumption amid rising global oil prices.

The directive was contained in Memorandum No. 716-2026 issued by Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla on March 10, but was  made public on Friday, March 13. 

The order instructs all provincial department heads and employees to implement guidelines on flexible work arrangements and energy-saving protocols in compliance with Office of the President of the Philippines Memorandum Circular No. 114.

The policy forms part of the national government’s push for energy conservation as global fuel prices continue to fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected fuel supply and electricity costs in many countries, including the Philippines.

Under the memorandum, frontline and essential personnel in provincial offices will maintain regular onsite work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of government services.

Meanwhile, employees classified as non-frontline personnel will observe a compressed four-day onsite workweek from Monday to Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to complete the required 40-hour work schedule.

These employees will work from home every Friday.

The memorandum also requires employees on work-from-home arrangements to remain available during official office hours.

Those found loitering in malls, beaches, or other locations without valid justification during working hours may be marked absent.

Personnel assigned to essential services—including the Leyte Provincial Hospital, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the Philippine National Police Provincial Office, the provincial warden’s office, and other security units—will continue to follow their regular schedules to maintain public safety and emergency response operations.

Provincial departments were also directed to coordinate their schedules, particularly those handling interrelated services, to ensure that public transactions and daily government services will not be disrupted.

Alongside the flexible work setup, the provincial government will enforce several energy conservation measures under the Government Energy Management Program.

The memorandum also restricts official travel to essential functions only. Offices are encouraged to consolidate official trips, optimize travel routes, and implement stricter monitoring of fuel use for government vehicles. /gsg