Workers in regions outside Metro Manila can expect an increase in their daily take-home pay within the year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Wednesday.

In an episode of Malacañang Insider, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Labor Day directive on wage hikes.

“Noong nakaraang Labor Day, may direktiba ang ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Ang kanyang sinabi to be precise, ‘Kailangan ang lahat ng Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) ay magsagawa ng timely review, 60 days prior to the anniversary date ng mga nakalipas o nakaraang wages order nila,” he said.

In July, the RTWPB-National Capital Region approved a PhP35 hike in the daily minimum wage of workers, raising it from PhP610 to PhP645. Laguesma also revealed the schedule of consultations for regions preparing to release wage adjustments.

The Calabarzon region is expected to hold its consultation this month, according to Laguesma. Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen began discussions on wage adjustments in August.

Also this month, the RTWPBs of the Ilocos region, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula are expected to start their consultations, while the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Mimaropa (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan), Bicol region, and Eastern Visayas will commence their consultations in October, Laguesma added.

On the other hand, the RTWPBs of Northern Mindanao and Caraga are scheduled to hold consultations in November.

“Sa madaling salita, lahat ng Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards sa loob ng taon na ito ay magkakaroon na ng karampatang action doon sa adjustment ng umiirial na minimum wage levels sa kani-kanilang rehiyon,” Laguesma said.

Laguesma emphasized that consultations and dialogues with DOLE stakeholders are important to keep the agency informed of the issues and concerns faced by the labor sector. They also ensure that DOLE delivers its services efficiently. PND