BARMM ends four-day workweek as energy crisis eases

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has lifted a four-day onsite workweek policy that had been in effect across its government ministries and agencies since mid-March. Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua announced the termination of the arrangement on Tuesday, signaling an end to one of the region's most visible austerity measures.

The four-day workweek was introduced as part of broader cost-cutting initiatives aimed at addressing power supply challenges that gripped the region following escalating tensions in the Middle East. The energy crisis had prompted BARMM authorities to implement various conservation measures to manage resources and reduce operational expenses across the devolved government.

The lifting of the policy suggests that regional energy conditions have stabilized sufficiently to permit a return to standard five-day workplace operations. BARMM officials had indicated that the temporary measure would remain in place pending improvements in the power supply situation.

The announcement marks a gradual normalization of government operations in the autonomous region as it continues efforts to address infrastructure challenges while maintaining service delivery to constituents across Muslim Mindanao.