Under the new arrangement, DARPO-Cagayan personnel will render extended working hours from Monday to Thursday, allowing the office to reduce operational energy consumption on Fridays. The policy reflects a balance between national energy conservation goals and the agency’s continuing mandate to serve Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) across the province.
Sustaining Public Service Amid Constraints
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) emphasized that the adjustment is both a practical and strategic response to the current energy situation.
“While we support the national government’s call to conserve energy, our priority remains the timely delivery of services to our agrarian reform beneficiaries. This four-day work week ensures that we remain efficient, accessible, and responsive,” PARPO2 Val M. Cristobal said.
Despite the compressed schedule, frontline services at DARPO-Cagayan remain fully operational, with personnel adopting streamlined processes and digital coordination to maintain service continuity.
Digital Shift and Work Optimization
To complement the new schedule, DARPO-Cagayan has intensified the use of flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home (WFH) setups for tasks that can be performed remotely. Employees are required to submit output-based accomplishment reports, ensuring accountability and productivity even outside the physical office.
Key functions such as:
- Processing of land tenure documentation
- Monitoring of agrarian reform programs
- Support services for ARBOs
- Preparation of legal and technical documents
continue without disruption through a combination of onsite and remote work systems.
Benefits Beyond Energy Savings
The four-day work week has also generated operational efficiencies within the office. Longer workdays have allowed staff to focus on high-priority deliverables, while reduced commuting days contribute to lower transportation costs and improved employee well-being.
For ARBs and partner organizations, DARPO-Cagayan has strengthened online communication channels, ensuring that coordination, inquiries, and follow-ups remain accessible even during non-office days.
Commitment to Agrarian Reform
Even amid the constraints posed by the energy emergency, DARPO-Cagayan reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the goals of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
“This is a time for innovation and adaptability. Our mission does not pause—we simply find smarter ways to deliver it,” the PARPO2 added.
As the government continues to address the country’s energy challenges, DARPO-Cagayan stands as an example of how public service institutions can adapt proactively, ensuring that essential services reach the communities that depend on them most.
