More local government units (LGU) in Mindanao are adopting a compressed four-day work week schedule and implementing energy conservation measures in response to rising fuel prices triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

In General Santos City, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao issued an executive order on Monday, March 9, 2026, directing all departments and offices in the city government to adopt the four-day work week scheme.

Under the new schedule, employees must complete 40 working hours from Monday to Thursday, with office hours extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Essential services, including hospitals, disaster response, social welfare, and public safety will continue operating on shifting schedules to ensure uninterrupted service.

The order also mandates energy saving practices in the workplace such as maintaining air conditioning units at 24 degrees Celsius, shifting to virtual meetings, and turning off non-essential lights and equipment after hours or when idle, among others.

Travel is also restricted to essential functions.

Fleet efficiency measures, including trip consolidation, route optimization, and strict idling controls, among others are also ordered to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel-economy performance of government vehicles.

In Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Rolando Uy also signed an executive order directing all offices in the city government to adopt the four-day work week effective Monday, March 9, 2026.

Under the new schedule, work hours will also be extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to ensure the standard 40-hour work week is maintained.

City government offices will remain closed every Friday, except for essential frontline services such as the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) and health facilities, including hospitals.

The initiative aims to reduce government resource consumption, particularly fuel.

(With reports from James Paolo Yap, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)