NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government has begun implementing a 4-day compressed work week effective today, March 9, in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and upon the directive of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito.

The measure was finalized during a meeting held this afternoon and presided over by Provincial Administrator King Webster Balawing.

Under the arrangement, provincial government employees will work four days a week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in order to complete the required 40 working hours per week.

For today only, employees are required to log out at 7:00 PM to complete the 10-hour work requirement, while the regular 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule will begin tomorrow.

The 4-day compressed work week forms part of the government’s austerity measures in anticipation of the possible effects of rising petroleum prices brought about by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, provincial government offices providing essential services, including hospitals, are exempted from the 4-day work week and will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.