DOST to enforce 4-day workweek for energy conservation

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday announced it will implement a four-day workweek as part of government’s energy conservation efforts amid the continuous conflict in the Middle East.

In a social media post, DOST said its offices will be open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

Meanwhile, non-working days will be observed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

DOST said this move is pursuant to Administrative Order 005 Series of 2026, which aims to reduce energy consumption, maximize workspace efficiency, and support a more sustainable and efficient work environment while maintaining uninterrupted public service.

The  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also made a similar announcement.

However, weather forecasting, flood warning, and field operations services will continue to operate on a 24/7 basis to ensure uninterrupted delivery of timely weather information, the state weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said its frontline services will operate with a skeletal workforce on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We encourage all stakeholders, partners, and the public to take note of these changes when scheduling visits or requesting frontline and administrative services. Our online channels remain open for your inquiries,” PHIVOLCS said.

Other DOST attached agencies, such as the Food and Nutrition Research Institute and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, will also shift to a four-day workweek with their respective adjusted office hours.

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.

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

Marcos made the call amid the conflict in the Middle East, which severely impeded the shipping of petroleum products in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered the world's most vital oil export route.\

It connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News