The Philippines is ready to adopt a four-day work week, not just within government offices but across the entire nation, according to Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer of RCBC and Chairman of Fintech Alliance Philippines.
Speaking on DZRH’s Special on Saturday, Villanueva emphasized that the country’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has prepared both workers and companies for flexible work arrangements.
“Handang-handa tayo kasi na-train na tayo doon sa COVID-19. In fact, doon sa COVID-19 talagang all throughout wala namang pumapasok sa opisina kundi lahat work from home or work from anywhere,” he said.
The government announced that all agencies will implement a four-day work week starting March 9, with Fridays off, as part of a broader effort to conserve energy amid global uncertainties, including the Middle East conflict and its potential impact on fuel supply. Villanueva stressed that energy conservation should not be limited to government offices.
“The whole nation should undergo such adjustment, not just the government,” he said. “We do not know how long these challenges will last, so conserving energy early is critical.”
RCBC has also implemented the four-day work week in line with the government directive, with employees now working four days in the office and using Fridays to reduce operational costs and energy consumption.
Villanueva said the shift demonstrates how organizations can balance productivity and efficiency while contributing to national preparedness. He also encouraged the private sector to consider adopting similar measures.
While government agencies can implement the policy quickly due to centralized control, Villanueva noted that private companies operate under diverse dynamics but could still benefit from a four-day schedule in terms of workforce well-being, operational efficiency, and energy conservation.
“I think buong bansa, hindi lang dapat ang pamahalaan o ang gobyerno ang maglunsad ng ganitong 4-day work week kasi nga, yung energy reserve natin ay very critical,” Villanueva said.
“Hindi natin alam kung hanggang kailan tatagal itong conflict sa Middle East. Kaya dapat maging handa ang lahat at as early as now, mag-conserve tayo ng energy,” he added.
