BARICUATRO (FB)
CEBU CITY – The top two government officials in Cebu province voiced varying opinions on the four-day work week which President R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced will temporarily be implemented in offices under the Executive department starting March 9.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro expressed interest in exploring reduced working days.
She cited a study that a four-day work week – pushed to conserve energy and cushion the impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East – helps improve productivity, reduce burnout, and support the well-being of front liners, public servants, and local businesses.
In a social media post, the governor said the scheme “can maintain or even improve output while giving people more time for family, community, and personal growth.”
As Baricuatro expressed willingness to explore the scheme, she asked the public to also weigh in on the issue.
Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, a businessman, is against the imposition of an across-the-board four-day work week.
“It might cause disruptions in business which would affect our economy eventually,” Soco said in a press briefing on Friday, March 6.
Soco emphasized that the scheme is applicable only on specific sectors. He added that the setup may do “harm than good” as it has to align with international schedules.