Manila to adopt alternative work arrangement under MECQ


The Manila city government will adopt an alternative work arrangement under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting Tuesday, August 4. 

(Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Monday signed Executive Order No. 34 to “ensure the unhampered operation and functioning of the city in delivering basic services and needs to its constituents.”

However, “proactive measures in protecting the health and well-being of its city officials and employees" must also be taken, he added.

Under the EO, the following offices will adopt a skeleton workforce alternative work arrangement:

1. Office of the Mayor                                           

2. Office of the Secretary to the Mayor           

3. Manila Public Information Office                

4. Office of the City Administrator                  

5. City Personnel Office                   

6. Manila Barangay Bureau                 

7. City General Services Office         

8. City Budget Office

9. Office of the City Accountant

10. City Treasurer’s Office     

11. Department of Public Services, Op. Div. & Dist. Offices                         

12. Department of Engineering & Public Works Operations 

13. Department of Assessment

14. Bureau of Permits

15. Manila Hawkers Office

16. Public Recreations Bureau, Operations

17. Parks Development Office, Operations

Meanwhile, the following offices will be in full operation, except for its office-based staff:

1. Manila Health Department, including North and South Cemeteries

2. All city hospitals except Ospital ng Maynila 

3. Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office

4. Manila Department of Social Welfare

5. Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau

6. Veterinary Inspection Board

7. Market Administration Office

All offices not mentioned will implement a work from home alternative work arrangement.

Senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and those who are below 21 years old who are employees of the city government will also be on a work from home alternative work arrangement. 

Domagoso said he will ensure that the salaries of the city government's employees will be released on time.

President Duterte approved the recommendation of health secretary Francisco Duque to revert  Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan to a stricter MECQ from Tuesday, August 4 to Tuesday, August 18.

This developed after hundreds of medical professionals called for a breathing space after months of battling the deadly virus to refine  COVID-19 control strategies and address urgent problems.