By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday announced that Central Luzon is next in the grant of salary hike for minimum wage workers.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the Central Luzon wage board is currently conducting consultations with stakeholders such as employers, workers and labor groups.
“It’s in the pipeline, though I’m not sure if it will be finalized by October because there are still consultations to be held in Central Luzon,” he said in an interview.
On the other hand, the DOLE chief noted that the recently granted wage hike in Calabarzon (Region 4-A) amounting to PHP45 is still appealable before the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).
“There is a 10-day period for appeals, starting last Friday (Oct. 9). Appeals are filed with the NWPC. The labor sector objected to the NWPC’s decision; they wanted a higher rate, though they ultimately accepted it. A vote was held, and the entire process was followed,” he said.
“About 11 or 12 consultations were conducted across all the provinces; there were numerous public hearings and consultations,” Tolentino added.
Central Luzon is composed of the following provinces, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.
Last Friday, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 4-A approved the PHP45 salary hike for minimum wage earners in the region, which will take effect on Oct. 26, 2026.
El Niño
At the same time, Tolentino also announced that he will be issuing labor advisories next month on non-wage benefits to be provided by companies to their workers in connection with the forthcoming strong El Niño.
“For the upcoming El Niño season, I will issue four Labor Advisories focusing on non-wage benefits. For instance, we will allow security guards to seek shelter when it is hot outside, and we will let construction workers take a break when the heat index rises. Watch out for that—it’s coming in November,” he said.
Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that the current strong El Niño could intensify between September and December this year until the first half of 2027.
