THE business sector and several individuals are complaining that they cannot conduct transactions at various executive branch departments and agencies during lunch time because the offices are either closed or there is no one there to assist them.
“This is unacceptable and should not continue,” Gov. Juan N. Babauta said in a directive to all department heads, program managers and activity heads.
All executive branch offices should be open and available throughout the workday, the governor said.
Babauta said government offices are routinely open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday. Staff must be available to serve the public at all times during these hours, and this can be done through a modified schedule, he said.
Babauta said all employees should also have a one-hour lunch break, and it is the management’s responsibility to ensure that these breaks are “staggered” so that “knowledgeable employees” are always available to attend to the public.
“You are (also) directed to emphasize to all employees, by training and written instruction, the need to provide courteous and competent service at all times. We must never forget that we hold our public service appointments—(which is) to serve the public,” Babauta said.
