Tacloban shifts to four-day workweek to conserve energy during El Niño

The Tacloban City government will implement a four-day compressed workweek effective November 3, according to a memorandum order issued by Mayor Alfred Romualdez on October 27. Most city offices will operate Monday through Thursday under the new schedule, with Friday designated as a non-working day for administrative personnel.

The measure forms part of the city's broader energy conservation strategy as local officials prepare for the anticipated impacts of El Niño, which typically brings hotter and drier conditions to the Philippines. By consolidating office operations into four days, city administrators aim to significantly reduce power consumption across municipal buildings and facilities.

Memorandum Order No. 2026-10-435 directs all city government offices to adopt the modified schedule. Essential services and public-facing operations are expected to maintain adequate staffing to ensure continuity of basic municipal functions during the transition period.

The implementation reflects growing concerns among local government units nationwide regarding energy demand during El Niño episodes, when power consumption typically spikes due to increased air conditioning use and reduced hydroelectric generation capacity. Similar conservation measures have been adopted by other local government units facing elevated electricity costs and supply pressures.