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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd adopts 4-day onsite workweek, Friday WFH as part of energy conservation protocols

DepEd adopts 4-day onsite workweek, Friday WFH as part of energy conservation protocols

Published Mar 9, 2026 01:00 pm
The Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted a four-day onsite workweek from Monday to Thursday, with a work-from-home arrangement on Fridays, as part of its energy conservation measures. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)
The Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted a four-day onsite workweek from Monday to Thursday, with a work-from-home arrangement on Fridays, as part of its energy conservation measures. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday, March 9, began implementing strict energy conservation measures and a flexible work arrangement for its personnel as part of government efforts to reduce electricity and fuel consumption.
In a statement, DepEd said the move follows the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Memorandum Circular No. 114, s. 2026, which seeks to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the agency is committed to supporting national efforts to conserve energy while ensuring that services for learners and stakeholders remain uninterrupted.
“DepEd is fully committed to doing its part in reducing energy consumption across government operations while ensuring that our schools and offices continue to serve the public effectively,” Angara said.
“We are firmly resolved to ensure that these shifts in our operations do not cause a single day of delay in the delivery of essential government services to our learners and stakeholders,” he added.
Implementation of conservation measures
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 18, s. 2026, the department aims to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent through several energy-saving measures.
Among the protocols implemented in DepEd offices nationwide are maintaining air-conditioning temperature settings at 24°C, activating sleep mode on office equipment, and turning off non-essential lights and devices during breaks and after office hours.
The agency also encouraged personnel to use stairs when practicable.
DepEd directed offices to conduct inter-agency meetings, consultations, and conferences virtually whenever possible to reduce travel-related energy use.
To strengthen fleet efficiency, the department also ordered offices to consolidate official trips, optimize travel routes, and minimize vehicle idling.
Government vehicles will also be subject to stricter fuel monitoring and preventive maintenance practices to ensure efficient use.
Official travel will be limited only to essential activities, DepEd stressed.
Friday work-from-home arrangement
Starting this week, DepEd will adopt a four-day onsite work arrangement from Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a work-from-home (WFH) day for non-teaching and related teaching personnel.
The flexible setup will remain in effect until lifted by Malacañang, DepEd said.
Teaching personnel, however, will continue following their existing class schedules to ensure uninterrupted learning and the completion of end-of-school-year activities.
Productivity and service delivery safeguards
DepEd said employees working from home must submit Daily Time Records, Individual Daily Logs, and Accomplishment Reports to maintain accountability and productivity.
Heads of offices were also directed to ensure that no backlog in services occurs, in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
The department emphasized that despite the operational adjustments, public service delivery to learners, teachers, and stakeholders must remain uninterrupted.

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DepEd 4-day onsite workweek DepEd Friday work-from-home policy DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara government energy-saving measures Philippines
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