Zamboanga Sibugay Shifts to Four-Day Workweek to Boost Efficiency, Maintain Public Services

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - In a move aimed at improving efficiency and promoting a healthier work-life balance among government employees, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay has officially adopted a compressed four-day workweek, effective April 13, 2026.

The transition, implemented under Executive Order No. 2026-016, introduces longer office hours from Monday to Thursday, with government offices now open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A shortened 30-minute lunch break from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m. will be observed to maximize productivity within the four working days.

Provincial officials emphasized that the new work arrangement is designed not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to allow employees more time for rest and family, ultimately contributing to improved performance and morale in public service.

Despite the shift to a four-day schedule, the provincial government assured Sibugaynons that delivery of essential services will remain uninterrupted. To ensure continuous assistance, key frontline offices—the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO)—will continue to operate from Monday to Friday under a skeleton workforce system. These offices will maintain the same extended hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to address urgent and critical needs of the public.

The provincial government highlighted that this initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to modernize public service operations while remaining responsive and accessible to the people of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take note of the revised office schedule and plan their transactions accordingly when visiting the Provincial Capitol and other government offices.

With this new system in place, the Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering efficient, reliable, and people-centered services ensuring that even with fewer working days, the quality of service remains uncompromised.