(Edited to include five other towns that have started the four-day workweek today, Monday.)
TARLAC CITY, Tarlac (March 9, 2026) — The local government units (LGUs) of Tarlac City, Gerona, Paniqui, Moncada, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, Sta. Ignacia, and Victoria officially transitioned to a compressed four-day workweek today.
The synchronized move, which took effect today, March 9, 2026, makes them the first in Tarlac to implement the energy conservation protocols recently mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The shift follows the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 114 from Malacañang, which directs government agencies to adopt flexible work arrangements to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel costs and electricity consumption.
In Tarlac City, Mayor Susan Yap issued Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2026, detailing the city’s commitment to the national directive.
“The ongoing geopolitical tensions have led to significant volatility in global energy markets,” the order stated, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce the government’s energy footprint.
Joining the capital city are the municipalities of Gerona, Paniqui, and Moncada, whose local executives simultaneously rolled out their respective internal guidelines to ensure that while offices are physically closed on Fridays, public service remains uncompromised.
Under the new arrangement, government employees in three of the LGUs will work ten hours a day, Monday to Thursday, to complete the required 40-hour workweek.
- Tarlac City & Paniqui: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Moncada, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, Sta. Ignacia, & Victoria: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Gerona: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday – Thursday); Work-from-home (Friday)
Beyond the shortened workweek, the LGUs have instituted “No-Nonsense” energy-saving rules:
- Temperature Control: Air-conditioning units in all government buildings are strictly set to 24°C.
- Power Breaks: Non-essential lights and electronic equipment must be switched off during the one-hour lunch break and immediately after office hours.
- Fuel Management: A “no-idling” policy for all government vehicles is now in effect, with departments required to consolidate trips and utilize carpooling for official business.
The mayors were quick to clarify that the four-day schedule does not apply to critical frontline services. Emergency response teams, health centers, and disaster risk reduction offices will maintain their regular daily operations to ensure the safety and well-being of Tarlakenyos are not sidelined by the conservation efforts.
“This is an interim measure,” noted the Tarlac City executive order, indicating that the schedule will remain in place until global oil prices stabilize or further instructions are received from the national government.
