The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is continuing regional consultations on wage adjustments, with further discussions planned across Central Luzon, as the government seeks to strengthen workers’ wages and benefits.
Labour Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the regional wage-review process involves both workers and employers, with Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) responsible for facilitating consultations and determining wage adjustments based on regional conditions.
Tolentino said public hearings had been conducted across several areas in the CALABARZON region, where the latest wage increase was issued. The hearings included Lipa, Lucena, Antipolo, Calamba and Batangas, he added, noting that the consultations had been documented.
Public hearings were held in all provinces, with the most recent one in Lipa. Lucena was also included. Hearings were held in Antipolo, Calamba and Batangas. Almost all provinces held hearings. There were extensive public hearings and consultations. All of these are documented,” Labour Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said .
Further consultations are planned for Central Luzon, covering Pampanga, Bulacan, Clark, Subic and Zambales. Any wage adjustments in these areas will depend on the respective wage orders issued following consultations and decisions by the regional wage boards.
Tolentino said wage increases could be implemented in instalments or through a single adjustment, depending on the applicable wage order. Reviews are also guided by the anniversary dates of existing wage orders, while the size and timing of increases take into account the socioeconomic conditions of each region.
The ongoing process follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen workers’ wages. However, the department has not announced specific increases for the areas scheduled for further consultations.
Alongside wage reviews, DOLE is encouraging employers to voluntarily provide non-wage benefits to support workers’ welfare. These include Christmas bonuses and health insurance, which could supplement workers’ earnings and provide additional financial and health protection.
Tolentino also said the department would issue official labour advisories in November to safeguard workers’ health and welfare ahead of the upcoming El Niño season.
The consultations and planned advisories form part of the department’s broader efforts to promote fair wages and strengthen worker protection amid changing economic and environmental conditions.