CSC reminds Muslim gov’t workers to avail flexitime for Ramadan

Metro Manila, Philippines - Muslim government workers are advised to avail of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded on Friday, March 7.

In a statement on its website, the CSC said Resolutions 81-1277 and 00-0227 provide that official work hours could be adjusted earlier to accommodate time for the faithful's traditions.

Typical work hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. could be adjusted to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. without a noon break.

The resolution states that the two-hour adjustment—exclusively offered to Muslim employees—will not be considered as undertime.

Commission guidelines also provide that Muslim employees are excused from work every Friday – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – to observe their “pray day.” This specific provision applies not only to Ramadan but to all Fridays of the year.

Government agencies are encouraged to offer flexible schedules that accommodate Muslim employees’ prayer obligations to still maintain the required 40-hour workweek.

Ramadan will be observed this year from March 2 to 31.