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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Wage review in 5 regions underway; DOLE clarifies no fixed adjustment yet

Wage review in 5 regions underway; DOLE clarifies no fixed adjustment yet

Published Jul 11, 2025 04:41 pm

At A Glance

  • Wage reviews are underway in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, and 7.
  • DOLE says wage rates remain under evaluation as consultations continue.
  • Adjustments, if any, will be based on verified data and local economic conditions.
  • Reviews are in line with the President's directive for timely assessments.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
Minimum wage reviews are underway in five regions across Luzon and the Visayas, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarifying that wage rates remain under evaluation as regional consultations continue.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4-A (CALABARZON), and 7 (Central Visayas) are assessing prevailing economic conditions to determine whether adjustments to existing wage orders are warranted.
“These regional boards are following their scheduled review of wage levels, and while expectations are understandable, there is no fixed amount under consideration,” Laguesma said, emphasizing that any potential increase must be based on verified data rather than speculation.
He stressed that the country’s regionalized wage-setting system allows each board to make decisions aligned with local economic conditions.
In 2024, all 17 regional wage boards issued new wage orders, including the Bicol Region, which completed its review despite disruptions brought by three successive typhoons.
Laguesma said the ongoing reviews are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive requiring all RTWPBs to begin assessments at least 60 days before the anniversary of their previous issuances to ensure timely and data-driven policymaking.
DOLE noted that the five regions currently under review were selected based on the schedule of their last wage orders, with other regions expected to follow as their timelines approach.
Responding to public perception that Metro Manila receives more attention during wage adjustments, Laguesma said each board operates independently and makes decisions based on the specific needs of its area.
He added that if disputes arise during consultations, the matter may be elevated to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for resolution.
Beyond wage policies, DOLE is also addressing long-term labor challenges by preparing the workforce for the impact of automation and emerging technologies.
He said DOLE, in coordination with the Departments of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Science and Technology (DOST), Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is implementing a roadmap focused on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers.
"Some companies have begun automating repetitive tasks, but human intelligence remains essential, especially in roles that require judgment, innovation, and critical thinking,” he said.
Laguesma assured that government programs continue to equip workers with future-ready skills to help them stay competitive in an increasingly technology-driven labor market.

Related Tags

DOLE minimum wage review regional wage boards
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