MANILA – As inflation continues to gnaw at household budgets, wage boards in three Mindanao regions – Northern Mindanao (RTWPB-10), Caraga (RTWPB-13), and Zamboanga Peninsula (RTWPB-9) – have launched public consultations to review minimum wage rates for private sector workers, aiming to deliver timely relief amid economic pressures. The move follows recent adjustments in other areas and comes as House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan urges swift action, warning that delays erode workers’ purchasing power in the face of surging living costs.
The reviews, initiated to align wages with inflation and boost household incomes, build on a series of hikes across Mindanao throughout 2025. In the Davao Region (RTWPB-11), Wage Order No. RBXI-23 effective March 7 raised daily minimum wages to P510 for non-agriculture and P505 for agriculture. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) saw a P50 increase effective July 17, while in the Soccsksargen Region (RTWPB-12), wages jumped P23 for agriculture and P20 for non-agriculture/retail/service effective November 2, with an additional P10 set for December 15. Domestic workers in Soccsksargen also benefited from a monthly hike to P6,000 from P4,500-P5,000.
Northern Mindanao’s consultations began December 1 in Ozamiz City and December 2 in Iligan City, continuing December 9 in Malaybalay City and December 10 in Cagayan de Oro City. Caraga wrapped up its hearings on December 1, and Zamboanga Peninsula concluded last month. These efforts underscore the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) push for economic recovery through enhanced worker purchasing power.
“Every week of delay means further erosion of workers’ purchasing power,” Libanan stressed, calling on Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to “move decisively.” He added, “Prompt wage increases will give workers the immediate relief they deserve amid the continuing surge in the cost of living, and ensure fairness in the labor market while stimulating economic growth.”
DOLE Regional Director Joffrey Suyao announced the RTWPB-10 review, emphasizing its role in addressing rising consumer prices. The consultations, involving workers, employers, and government representatives, aim to craft balanced adjustments that support livelihoods without overburdening businesses.
As the year ends with holiday spending in mind, these reviews signal a proactive stance on wage equity, potentially injecting fresh momentum into Mindanao’s economy.