DOLE issues wage hikes in 10 regions, more pending

Ten Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) have issued orders increasing the daily minimum wage for private sector workers in their respective regions, according to a statement from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The affected regions include the National Capital Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen.

Four RTWPBs in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas also approved wage hikes for domestic workers (kasambahay).

Six other regions -- CAR, Mimaropa, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga -- are either in the final stages or have just started their minimum wage determination processes.

RTWPB 5 has deferred its minimum wage determination process for three months due to the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

All wage orders were initiated motu proprio by DOLE, reflecting its commitment to improving wages for both private sector workers and domestic helpers.