By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The new working schedule in local government units  (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) began today Thursday (02 May 2024), said Metro Manila Council (MMC) president Francis Zamora.

Zamora expressed expectations that the adjusted working hours would alleviate the traffic situation in Metro Manila, particularly during rush hour.

“We anticipate that this will aid in traffic flow as we aim to divert the 100,000 employees of local governments here in Metro Manila away from rush hour,” he stated in a television interview.

Comprising 17 LGUs in Metro Manila, the MMC previously passed a resolution adjusting the working hours in LGUs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., or an hour ahead of the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule.

The Mayor of San Juan City emphasized that they would closely monitor the situation to gauge the effects of the new working hour schedule.

“We will monitor the situation. The MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) will also monitor traffic counts… I will also mention to [MMDA] Chairman Artes that it’s beneficial for us to monitor the daily effects of the shift in working hours,” Zamora added.

(el Amigo/MNM)