NCMF: Filipino Muslims working in gov't offices may adopt flexible hours during Ramadan

Muslims working in government offices throughout the country were advised to adopt flexible working hours during the holy month of Ramadan, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the NCMF said its Muslim officials and employees may also observe the modified office hours during the month of fasting.

It quoted a 1981 Civil Service resolution, which stated that office hours for Muslims working in government offices during Ramadan will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without noon break and that the difference of two hours will not be counted as under time.

The NCMF said the adoption of flexible working hours by Filipino Muslims during Ramadan is also pursuant to the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) policies on flexible work arrangements.

“This initiative ensures that Muslim government employees are supported in observing their religious duties while maintaining efficient and continuous public service,” the NCMF added.

In a later Facebook post, the NCMF said the crescent moon was not sighted on Tuesday and declared the start of Ramadan to be on Thursday, February 19. 

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Office of the Chief Minister also adjusted the work schedule of Muslim officials and employees of the Bangsamoro Government for the month-long observance of Ramadan.

According to a memorandum circular issued on February 16, the modified working hours of Muslim officials and employees observing the month of Ramadan are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without noon break.

“There shall be no diminution on the 40-hour workweek required under the Civil Service rules under these modified working hours,” it added.

Flag-raising ceremonies on Mondays will start at 7:15 a.m., while Friday flag-lowering rites will be held at 3:15 p.m.

“After the Eid'l Fitr, all officials and employees shall automatically revert to the regular working hours,” the BARMM directive added.

On Tuesday, Filipino Muslims conducted moon-sighting activities to determine the start of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holiest month in Islam.

It is observed by Muslims all over the world as a dawn-to-dusk period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. — JMA, GMA Integrated News