Palace Cuts Government Work Hours on Sept. 28 for National Family Week

Malacañang has ordered a half-day work schedule for government employees on Monday, September 28, 2026, to give families more time to celebrate "Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day" and mark the conclusion of the 34th National Family Week.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 136, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by authority of the President, work in all national government agencies, instrumentalities, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) will be suspended starting at 1:00 PM sharp.

The directive follows Proclamation No. 60, series of 1992, which designates the last week of September as National Family Week to highlight the importance of family solidarity and foster stronger societal ties. It also builds on Proclamation No. 326, series of 2012, which declares the fourth Monday of September as "Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day" to remind parents to engage deeply in their children’s lives, starting around the dinner table.

However, Malacañang clarified that government agencies responsible for delivering vital operations—such as basic and health services, disaster preparedness, and calamity response—will continue their regular operations to ensure public safety.

While the mandatory suspension strictly applies to the Executive branch, the Palace also encourages other branches of government, independent bodies, and the private sector to adopt similar measures, granting Filipino workers across the country a chance to build deeper ties with their loved ones.

Courtesy: Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office