Thousands of minimum wage earners in Central Luzon and SOCCSKSARGEN are set to receive a much-needed pay boost starting next month, following the approval of new wage orders by their respective regional wage boards.
In a statement released Friday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed that the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has approved Wage Order No. RB III-26, granting a ₱50 to ₱80 daily wage increase for workers across Region III.
Central Luzon Workers Get Pay Boost
Under the new order, workers in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales will receive a ₱50 daily increase, while those in Aurora will get ₱60.
This brings the monthly minimum wage for agricultural workers to ₱14,607–₱15,650, and for non-agriculture workers to ₱14,215–₱14,868.
Employees in retail and service establishments will also benefit, with their monthly wages rising to ₱13,433–₱15,389 depending on location and sector.
Household workers or kasambahays will likewise see a ₱500 monthly raise, bringing their minimum wage to ₱6,500. This increase is expected to help around 126,762 kasambahays across the region — including over 11,500 live-in workers.
The new wage rates will take effect on October 30, or 15 days after publication on October 14, 2025.
SOCCSKSARGEN Also Gets Wage Increase
Meanwhile, in Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN), the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has issued Wage Order No. RB XII-25, granting a ₱30 to ₱33 increase in daily wages for workers in the agriculture and retail and service sectors.
With the adjustment, their monthly minimum wages will rise to ₱11,998 for the retail and service sector and ₱11,555 for the agriculture sector. The NWPC affirmed the wage order on November 9.
According to DOLE, about 21,000 minimum wage earners will directly benefit from the hike, while another 144,000 full-time workers earning slightly above the minimum are expected to see indirect increases as companies adjust pay scales to correct wage distortions.
Domestic helpers in SOCCSKSARGEN are also included in the boost — they will receive an increase of ₱1,000 in cities and first-class municipalities, and ₱1,500 in other towns, bringing their monthly wage to ₱6,000.
This adjustment is expected to help around 26,688 domestic workers across the region.
For many Filipino workers struggling with rising costs of living, these wage increases are a welcome relief — a small but meaningful step toward better stability, dignity, and hope for a more livable income.
