The Department of Education (DepEd) has approved a four-day workweek and work-from-home arrangement for school-based personnel, effective April 10 to June 5, 2026, as part of government efforts to conserve energy amid an ongoing energy crisis.
In a memorandum issued by the agency, Education Secretary Sonny Angara authorized the arrangement allowing school-based non-teaching staff and related teaching personnel to work from home every Friday during the period.
The adjustment coincides with the end of the school year break and aims to reduce electricity consumption in public schools nationwide.
The policy expands an earlier work-from-home setup implemented by the DepEd in its central and regional offices. However, school-based personnel were previously excluded, as they were required to complete duties aligned with the school calendar, which ran until March 31.
DepEd said the latest amendment to its operational guidelines is part of broader energy conservation measures being implemented across government agencies in response to rising power demand and supply challenges.
Under the arrangement, schools will operate on a four-day on-site work schedule from Monday to Thursday, while designated personnel will perform administrative and other tasks remotely on Fridays. The department did not indicate changes to instructional delivery for students during the period.
In a separate memorandum, Angara also encouraged private schools to adopt flexible learning arrangements to help manage the impact of the energy situation.
Private institutions may shift to blended learning modalities without needing prior approval from the department, provided they notify their respective Schools Division Offices at least five days before implementation.
The DepEd said the measure is intended to give schools greater autonomy while ensuring continuity of learning and operations despite external constraints.
Officials have not announced whether the arrangement may be extended beyond June 5, but said the policy will be subject to ongoing assessment depending on energy conditions and operational needs.
