Malacañang has declared a half-day work arrangement for government offices on Holy Wednesday, April 16, to give government employees more time to observe the Holy Week.

Memorandum Circular No. 81, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday, April 14, states that government employees will work from home from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 16.

Work in government offices will be suspended from 12 noon onwards.

The circular aims to give government employees "full opportunity" to properly observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday on April 17 and 18.

This also allows them to travel to and from the different regions in the country.

However, agencies involved in delivering basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital services are expected to continue normal operations and provide necessary services.

Meanwhile, Malacañang left it to private companies if they wanted to adopt the same work arrangement in anticipation of the Holy Week break.