THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is ready for the four-day work week if implemented by the national government, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said Thursday, March 23.
"It is good for physical, psychological, and mental health, which was already tested during the pandemic, where we brought some work assignments home and that other countries are also doing that," Diaz said.
However, he said in some offices, there are services that will really slow down because there is work that cannot be done at home, like payment services and ocular inspections, as Diaz pointed out.
"But if there is a law on that or any circular from the national government, we will adjust, and we are ready to work four days and rest for three days per week," Diaz added.
The four-day work week plan was announced by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as an austerity measure to save power.
Meanwhile, Diaz said Capitol has been ready with the funds intended for the performance-based bonuses of the employees.
However, without the guidelines, they would not take the risk against another notice of disallowance from the Commission on Audit, he said.
"We have to wait for the right time and proper guidelines," Diaz said.
He said they have been preparing the budget since 2021, when Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson decided not to release the incentive benefits for exemplary service (IBES) for Capitol employees after the provincial government received a notice of disallowance based on COA's Observation Audit Memorandum.*