Opinion: NORTH EXPRESS By Reginald B. Tamayo (Marikina City)

OFFERING 24-hour government services similar to a vulcanizing shop. My cousin Homer Balisi Rigunan from Baguio City recently shared with me the other day his observation of a vulcanizing shop that operates round the clock to cater to customers who may need assistance at any hour of the day.  He said that it is  possible to extend this concept to national government offices, including local government units (LGUs).

For purposes of academic discussion, the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday does not always align with the needs of all individuals. Many people work long hours or have commitments that prevent them from visiting national and local government offices during regular business hours. This can be frustrating for those who need to access essential services such as applying for permits, licenses, or other transactions that require interaction with such agencies. By keeping these offices open 24 hours on certain days, like DFA, DTI etc, and LGUs, they could better serve the needs of their constituents and improve overall efficiency.

There are several benefits to implementing a 24-hour operation for certain (not all) government offices. First and foremost, it would make government services more accessible to a wider range of people. Those who work night shifts, students with daytime commitments, or individuals with busy schedules would have the opportunity to conduct their business with national government offices and LGUs at a time that is convenient for them. This would not only improve customer satisfaction but also increase the likelihood of compliance with government regulations and requirements.

Secondly, a 24-hour operation could help alleviate congestion during peak hours. By spreading out the volume of transactions throughout the day and night, these government offices and LGUs could reduce wait times and streamline the process for both employees and customers. This could lead to improved efficiency and productivity, as well as a more positive experience for those interacting with national and LGU offices.

Thirdly, operating government offices and LGUs around the clock could benefit the national and local economy. By extending hours of operation, more individuals would have the opportunity to conduct business with these offices, which could result in increased national and local revenues. This additional income could be reinvested into improving infrastructure, services, or programs that benefit the nation as a whole.

LGUs could begin by piloting a program in which only select offices are open 24 hours on specific days to assess interest and effectiveness.

This innovative idea proposed by my cousin Homer is definitely worth exploring. I urge our national and government officials to consider implementing this initiative, subject to certain terms, rules and regulations, especially in LGUs in a deliberate and strategic way, ultimately benefiting both the government and the people it serves.