CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) – In response to soaring temperatures, the provincial government of Isabela has implemented flexible work arrangements for its employees.
Gov. Rodolfo Albano III issued Executive Order No. 9, Series of 2025, introducing the new setup to promote employee health and well-being, enhance productivity, and adapt to evolving work environments—all without compromising the delivery of quality public services.
The order cites the Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2022, which institutionalized Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) across government agencies. The arrangements aim to uphold employee welfare and ensure continued public service, especially during emergencies or challenging conditions.
“FWAs are designed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of government officials and employees while allowing for flexible, responsive work arrangements that ensure uninterrupted service,” Albano stated.
He noted that government offices may implement a mix of FWAs—including work-from-home setups, compressed workweeks, skeleton staffing, shifting schedules, and flexitime—depending on their operational needs.
In light of advisories from PAGASA warning of extreme heat stress, the governor stressed the need for precautionary measures to safeguard the provincial workforce.
Under the new policy, employees are required to report to their offices from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, after which a work-from-home arrangement is in effect from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Offices may adopt a skeleton workforce setup if necessary.
All departments are instructed to ensure uninterrupted public service during official hours, including lunch breaks. Staff rotations, skeleton workforces, or on-call systems must be implemented as needed to maintain service continuity.
However, the executive order exempts employees whose roles require full-time, on-site presence. These include personnel from the Provincial Jail, Provincial Security Group, all provincial government-operated hospitals, and the Isabela Rice Processing Center.
Albano tasked the Provincial Human Resource Management Office and the Provincial Legal Office to monitor compliance, provide technical assistance, and recommend adjustments as necessary. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)
