MANILA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Friday ordered the implementation of a four-day work week in some offices under the executive branch starting Monday as part of government measures to conserve energy and mitigate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
In a video message, Marcos said the temporary arrangement would take effect on March 9 and apply to selected executive branch offices.
The order, however, will not cover agencies that provide emergency or essential services, including police, firefighters, and offices that deliver frontline public services.
Marcos also directed all government agencies to conserve energy and reduce their electricity consumption and fuel expenses by 10 to 20 percent.
Travel and activities deemed unnecessary, such as study tours, team-building activities and meetings that can be conducted online, are also temporarily prohibited, he said.
Marcos said the measures were part of the government's efforts to cushion the impact of rising oil prices linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. ■
