Manila Archdiocese implements compressed workweek to save energy

The Archdiocese of Manila will implement a compressed workweek starting Monday, April 6, to conserve energy amid the oil crisis due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Signed by Chancellor Carmelo Arada Jr., the Manila archdiocese announced Wednesday that its work schedule will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

“As an expression of solidarity and mindful of our shared responsibility to conserve energy, a compressed workweek schedule shall be implemented across all offices, commissions, ministries, and houses in the Archdiocese of Manila,” the archdiocese said in a circular letter.

This move will be in effect until Thursday, April 30, 2026.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that starting March 9, 2026, a four-day workweek will be temporarily implemented in offices under the executive department, as the Middle Conflict impeded the shipping of petroleum products in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered the world's most vital oil export route.

Marcos also directed all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including GOCCs, to reduce their actual electricity and fuel consumption by 10% to 20%.

Several offices, such as the Department of Finance, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Justice, implemented a four-day workweek to save energy.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections said that due to the workload for the upcoming BARMM polls on September 14 and Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on November 2, it cannot implement a four-day on-site workweek.

Instead, it will implement a new protocol for energy conservation.

This includes turning off the air conditioning two hours before office hours end, turning off unused lights, conducting Zoom meetings instead of in-person meetings, and carpooling.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA News