What the Government Half-Day Work Order Means
On April 14, 2025, the Office of the President of the Philippines released Memorandum Circular No. 81. This memo gives clear work guidelines for government offices on April 16, 2025, which is right before Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18).
This Government Half-Day Work Order is designed to help government employees prepare for the Holy Week holidays. It allows them more time to travel or go home to their provinces. Here’s a simple explanation of what this new rule means and who it applies to.
New Work Rules for Government Offices
Starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025, government workers will follow this new setup:
1. Work from Home in the Morning
Government employees will work from home from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. This helps them avoid traffic and still complete some tasks in the morning.
2. No Work in the Afternoon
From 12:00 PM onwards, there will be no more work in most government offices. This gives employees enough time to travel to their hometowns or prepare for the long weekend.
Who Still Needs to Work Normally?
Not all government agencies will stop work early. Some offices must stay open to provide important services. These include:
- Health services
- Emergency and disaster response
- Other essential public services
Workers in these offices will continue with their normal schedule to serve the public properly. These departments play a big role, especially during busy holidays or emergencies.
Private Offices and Companies
The memo only covers government offices. For private companies, it is up to the owners or managers to decide if they will allow half-day work or work from home. Private employees should check with their HR departments or supervisors for updates.
When Will This Take Effect?
This rule starts immediately, as stated in the memo signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on behalf of the President. So all government offices must follow it on April 16, 2025.
Why This Memo Is Important
Every year, thousands of Filipinos travel to their provinces during Holy Week. Traffic gets worse, and public transport becomes crowded. By giving government employees a half-day off, the government helps reduce stress and improves travel time for everyone.
Also, allowing work from home in the morning means tasks still get done without needing people to go to the office.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who used to struggle with holiday travel, I know how helpful this is. Leaving Metro Manila early can cut travel time in half. In the past, I spent 10 hours on the road just trying to get home before Maundy Thursday. If I had left earlier, I could have avoided that.
This kind of rule makes life easier, especially for families who want to spend more time together during the holidays. It also shows that the government understands what people go through during peak travel times.
What Government Workers Should Do Now
If you’re a government employee, here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Plan your tasks for April 16 ahead of time
✅ Inform your teammates or boss if you have deadlines
✅ Use the afternoon to travel safely or rest
✅ Stay updated in case your department is one of those that need to stay open
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is April 16, 2025, a holiday?
No, it is a regular working day. But government offices will have work-from-home in the morning and half-day off in the afternoon.
Who signed the memo?
It was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on behalf of the President.
Does this apply to private sector employees?
No. Private companies can decide on their own. Employees should ask their employers.
Will hospitals and emergency services stop work?
No. Offices that handle health, disaster response, and other vital services will continue working as usual.
Why is this memo important?
It helps reduce travel stress during Holy Week and gives government employees time to travel or rest.
The Government Half-Day Work Order for April 16, 2025, is a helpful move. It balances work responsibilities with the needs of employees during an important religious and travel period. If more policies like this were made, it would make government work more people-friendly and practical.
Whether you’re traveling to the province or just spending Holy Week at home, this memo gives you a bit more time to prepare and rest. That’s something we can all appreciate.
