CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The latest minimum wage increase in the CALABARZON region is expected to provide additional financial support to workers as they cope with rising living costs, inflation, and the potential economic effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Calabarzon announced a new round of minimum wage increases for workers under Wage Order No. IVA-23 with the new wage rates are scheduled to take effect on October 26, 2026.
The wage order provides daily minimum wage increases ranging from P25 to P45, depending on the classification of the city or municipality and the sector, the RTWPB Calabarzon said in a statement.
“The issuance of the new wage order reflects the Board’s continuing mandate to review minimum wage rates in the region, taking into consideration the needs of workers and their families, the capacity of employers to provide higher wages, and the region’s prevailing economic conditions,” RTWPB stated.
Under the new wage order, workers in the non-agriculture sector in the Extended Metropolitan Area and component cities will receive a P45 daily wage increase from P600 to P645. Those employed in first-class municipalities will receive a P40 increase from P550 to P590, while those in second to fifth-class municipalities will get a P25 increase from P525 to P550.
Agricultural workers in extended metropolitan areas, component cities including Rosario, Cavite and first-class municipalities will receive a P25 daily wage increase from P525 to P550, while those in second to fifth-class municipalities will have a P42 increase from P508 to P550.
The same P42 daily wage increase will apply to workers in retail and service establishments regularly employing not more than 10 workers across all areas.
For minimum wage earner Catherine Orza from Calamba City, Laguna, even a modest increase in wages can help workers meet their daily needs amid increasing expenses.
“Malaking bagay na rin (‘yung wage increase). Kahit konti yung nadagdag, okay na rin kasi nag-i-increase kahit papaano. At least, hindi tayo nag-i-stay lang sa mababa. Malaking bagay pa rin talaga sa pang-araw-araw,” Orza said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.
She emphasized that workers like her still hope to receive fair compensation that can better cover their everyday expenses, particularly as prices of basic goods and other necessities continue to increase and the potential effects of El Niño may add to these challenges.
She added, “Siyempre bilang manggagawa, sana maibigay nang patas, ‘yung kaya ng pang-araw-araw, hindi man lahat, pero ‘yung sumasapat pandagdag, malaking tulong siyempre itong wage increase ngayon pero sana mayroon pa kasi maraming gastusin, maraming tumataas na bilihin, sana sa susunod mas tumaas pa para sa amin na minimum wage earner.”
The implementation of Wage Order No. IVA-23 on October 26 gives needed cushion to minimum wage earners across CALABARZON, while recognizing the varying economic conditions and business capacities across different areas and sectors. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)