4-Day Workweek Para Makatipid sa Gas? Cebu Businessmen Say 'Depende sa Industry'
With fuel prices going through the roof because of the Middle East conflict, the idea of a compressed four-day workweek is gaining traction again — but Cebu's business leaders are saying it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) weighed in on the proposal during a press conference on Friday, March 13.
"The four-day work week is really good. It promotes work-life balance and shows efficiency as well. But it really depends on the industry," said CCCI president Regan King. He pointed out that knowledge-based sectors could easily make the switch, pero yung mga industries na need ng continuous operations? Hindi talaga pwede.
Bryan Yap, CEO of Republiq Group and an AI advocate, was more direct: "The only way for that to happen is if everybody goes on a four-day work week." He compared it to pandemic-era work-from-home arrangements — retail and mall workers simply couldn't participate. "If everyone did, everything would shut down," Yap said.
The hospitality sector echoed similar concerns. Mezzo Hotel president Shannen Keisha Tan said service-oriented businesses can't afford gaps in operations. "Once service delivery is affected, it will create a domino effect in terms of the economic contribution that we will have," she warned. Meanwhile, the IT-BPM sector? They're pretty much ready — Darwin John Moises said the industry has already adapted to hybrid and flexible schedules since the pandemic.
The fuel crisis is hitting the trade sector hardest, according to Bernard Vonn Sia of Cebu Bionic Builder Supply, who said they're operating in "belt-tightening mode" to keep supply chains intact. It's a balancing act — saving on fuel versus keeping the economy running. No easy answers, but at least the conversation is happening.
Source: Manila Bulletin
