SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) - The local government unit (LGU) of Bacnotan in La Union began a four-day work week on Monday, April 15, to prioritize the health and safety of both clients and employees during the hot season.

This initiative follows the issuance of Memorandum No. 2024-088 by Bacnotan Mayor Divina C. Fontanilla. The memorandum allows the Bacnotan LGU to operate from Monday to Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until further notice.

Fontanilla said the compressed work week was a suggestion made by the Municipal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Management Board (MEECMB). It aims to address not only the well-being of the townspeople and LGU employees during the summer season, but also promote energy conservation.

“Succumbing to the effects of extreme heat will be prevented, especially to clients who commute to and from the offices of the LGU, and employees who also transact official business outside of their offices,” the town mayor said.

“Electricity and fuel shall also be conserved as there shall be lesser hours of use of electrical facilities and equipment, and lesser trips made by public utility and government service vehicles,” Fontanilla added.

However, the flexible work arrangement does not apply to the frontline office of the LGU such as the emergency response, security, traffic, market, sanitation, and health services.

Meanwhile, Mayor Fontanilla assured that although the LGU shifts to a four-day workweek, the delivery of public services will be maintained all throughout the entire week.

Prior to this, the LGU has also temporarily suspended the wearing of office uniforms.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on April 10 and 11, 2023 Bacnotan logged 43 and 42 degrees Celsius respectively which are considered in the “danger” classification.

This step was lauded by Marc Teomar Bautista, LGU information officer, as the high heat index affects their work performance, and the LGU also considers the convenience of their clients.

“Shifting into a compressed workweek is not a norm, but we see it as more beneficial because it makes us more productive, and we can contribute to energy consumption,” Bautista said.

“Okay siya kasi mas productive sa morning and hindi pa sobrang init na mag start sa work (It's definitely good so it will allow us to be more productive in the mornings, which are cooler because the heat is not that high),” Bautista added. (JCR/MJTAB/REP/PIA Region 1)