Bacolod City Gov’t Back to 5-Day Work Week

Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the return of the regular five-day work week for city employees due to improving economic conditions, including the stabilization of fuel prices and transportation costs.

Gasataya said the move aims to improve public service efficiency and ensure better coordination of government responses as the city continues its recovery. He added that he discussed the measure with Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesus Victor Remulla during the latter’s visit to the city on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

“This is still aligned with the city’s austerity measures, particularly on energy conservation,” Gasataya said.

On March 9, 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the implementation of a four-day work week to help conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption amid rising global oil prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East.

Under Executive Order No. 26, the mayor directed all department heads to ensure a smooth transition from the four-day work week back to the regular five-day schedule while maintaining uninterrupted public services.

“Based on our assessment, we can now return to the regular work schedule as fuel prices continue to improve,” the mayor added.

Gasataya also emphasized the continued implementation of low-cost energy efficiency and conservation measures. He noted that the city’s efforts under Executive Order No. 11, Series of 2026, issued on February 13, 2026, earned Bacolod City a five-star rating from the Department of Energy under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), with 98 percent compliance during a random inspection at the Bacolod City Government Center on April 15, 2026.* (Bacolod City Communications Office text & photos)