By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Following directives from the Civil Service Commission, Mariano Marcos State University will adopt a four-day work scheme starting June 27.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis issued Memorandum No. 22-217 dated June 24 stipulating the implementing rules for the flexible working arrangements in the university. 

The employees’ official work time will be from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm for four days, still completing the 40-hour work every week. 

With faculty members reporting from Monday to Thursday, there will be no classes on Fridays and Saturdays, with the exception of the National Service Training Program classes. To accommodate academic concerns on Fridays, colleges will have officers-of-the-day. 

Employees in various offices across university campuses will also follow the four-day work scheme. To achieve full operation from Monday to Friday, offices there will be work shift arrangements. 

However, the four-day workweek does not apply to the faculty and staff of the Graduate School, College of Law, College of Medicine, and personnel of the security, medical, and general services units of the university due to the nature of their operations. 

“These rules shall apply for the duration of the validity of CSC Resolution No. 2200209, unless sooner revoked,” the university memo ended. 

The CSC’s flexible working policy was promulgated on May 18 this year and took effect on June 15. It seeks to “institutionalize flexible work arrangements as part of the nationwide effort to transition from a state of public health emergency to the new normal,” promote "telecommunicating or remote working to reduce employees` commuting expenses" and serve as “a preventive measure to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of government officials and employees” while ensuring continuous operations and delivery of services. (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)