KORONADAL CITY — All four provinces in Region 12 (Soccsksargen Region) have officially adopted a four-day workweek schedule as an austerity and conservation measure amid the energy crisis triggered by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East. The neighboring Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), based in Cotabato City, also implemented the same scheme starting Wednesday, March 11. In Region 12, the South Cotabato provincial government announced its adoption of the new work arrangement in line with Malacañang’s Memorandum Circular 114, issued on March 6, which mandates energy conservation measures. The conflict began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks. South Cotabato’s advisory specified a four-day onsite workweek from Monday to Thursday, with a work-from-home setup on Friday, excluding frontline and essential services. Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao also directed provincial offices, except essential workers, to adopt the four-day compressed workweek starting March 16, along with utility conservation efforts and reduced official travel. Governors Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat and Emmylou Taliño Mendoza of North Cotabato also announced similar measures. In BARMM, interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua ordered a four-day onsite work arrangement with a designated work-from-home day during Ramadan, transitioning to a compressed four-day workweek thereafter. These measures aim to optimize government resources while ensuring uninterrupted public service delivery.
