At least 105 workers of a garments factory at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) are affected by an alternative work scheme.

In a letter request sent by the company to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Lapu-Lapu City, the company asked that the employees on subcontract, affected by flexible work arrangement, be endorsed to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for assistance.

The company cited that demands for subprocessing works went down which led to the implementation of an alternative work scheme.

Instead of six days in a workweek, this has been reduced to four days or five days, and that there are weeks where work requires only three days.

According to Lapu-Lapu City PESO Manager Kim Francisco, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allowed the implementation of alternative work scheme from January 20 to March 31, 2026.

Further, it was learned that the schedule may be extended depending on work demand.

During the pandemic, locators at MEPZ with garments for main products were one of the most affected. In fact, there were two big garments and apparel companies that folded up.

However, toward the end of 2024, and on to 2025, there were garment factories that hired workers again.