RTWPB-7: Wage hike certain, amount still under review

CEBU, Philippines — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-7 has assured workers in the region that a wage increase is forthcoming, although the exact amount has yet to be determined as the wage board will still conduct public consultations and hearings.

RTWPB-7 chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 Director Atty. Roy Buenafe said there is no doubt that a wage adjustment in Central Visayas will be issued, but discussions are currently focused on determining the appropriate level of increase.

Buenafe said the wage board will begin public consultations on June 25, giving labor groups, employers, and other stakeholders the opportunity to present their positions and evidence regarding the proposed wage adjustment.

He also said the board is considering possible “supervening conditions” or economic developments that may affect wage determination, including changes in inflation, cost of living, and regional economic performance. He said these factors are important in crafting a balanced and sustainable wage order.

According to Buenafe, the RTWPB-7 aims to issue a new wage order before October 4, which marks the anniversary of the last wage adjustment implementation in the region.

Meanwhile, DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino clarified that the agency does not interfere in the wage-setting process. He emphasized that wage adjustments are decided by independent regional wage boards through a tripartite consultation involving the government, labor, and management sectors.

Tolentino made the statement during his visit to the DOLE-7 office, where he also led the flag-raising ceremony and stressed the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to improve workers’ welfare and maintain industrial peace.

He likewise highlighted the importance of protecting the dignity of Filipino workers, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that labor policies respond to workers’ needs.

After the ceremony, Tolentino toured the DOLE-7 office and witnessed the turnover of livelihood assistance to a beneficiary.

The Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) is a livelihood support program for ambulant vendors and disadvantaged workers. It provides a ready-to-use mobile vending package so beneficiaries can start or expand small street-vending businesses.

Nego-Kart is designed to help informal workers achieve a more stable income and move closer to a minimum-wage level livelihood.

According to Buenafe, the program provides P50,000 in assistance per beneficiary, consisting of P35,000 for an electric bike and P15,000 worth of products such as fruits.

“For the Negosyo Cart we provided today, it includes an e-bike worth P35,000 and P15,000 worth of fruits. The proceeds from the sales will be rolled over so the beneficiary can buy more fruits again,” he said.