In a meeting on 23 February 2026, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) reviewed and affirmed Wage Order No. RB XI-24 and Wage Order No. RB XI-DW-04 issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-XI (RTWPB-XI).

Under Wage Order No. RB XI-24, the daily minimum wage rate will increase by ₱20 in the agriculture sector and ₱30 in the non-agriculture sector to be given in two tranches – the first half upon effectivity of the Wage Order, and the second half on 01 September 2026. Upon implementation of all tranches, the increase will bring the daily minimum wages in the region from ₱505 to ₱525 for the agriculture sector, and from ₱510 to ₱540 for the non-agriculture sector, equivalent to ₱13,693.75 and ₱14,085 per month, respectively. This will directly benefit an estimated 66,772 minimum wage earners.

Meanwhile, kasambahays (domestic workers) in Davao Region will also receive monthly wage increases of ₱500 for those in Chartered Cities and First-Class Municipalities and ₱1,500 in Other Municipalities. This will raise the sector’s monthly minimum wage rate in the region to a single rate of ₱6,500, benefiting 64,111 domestic workers in both live-in and live-out arrangements.

The Wage Orders will take effect on 13 March 2026, fifteen days after their publication on 25 February 2026.

In affirming the wage orders, the NWPC found that RTWPB-XI complied with the criteria for determining minimum wage increases under Republic Act (RA) No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act and RA No. 10361 or the Batas Kasambahay, which include the needs of workers and their families, the capacity of employers/industry to pay, and the requirements of economic and social development in the region. The issuance also underscores the Marcos Administration’s continuing commitment for timely and regular review of regional minimum wage rates to reduce uncertainty, enhance fairness for all stakeholders, and foster a stronger link between productivity and wages.

Beyond setting minimum wages, the NWPC and RTWPB-XI are actively providing technical assistance to enterprises in addressing wage distortions — the narrowing of pay gaps between different job levels – through NWPC Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023. This is

expected to further benefit an estimated 402,968 full-time workers who are earning above the minimum wage in the region.

To ensure these mandates are felt on the ground, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and RTWPB-XI are undertaking a region-wide information campaign and close monitoring of establishments through labor inspections.

Retail and service establishments regularly employing not more than ten (10) workers, and enterprises affected by natural calamities and/or human-induced disasters may apply for exemption from the wage increase until 11 May 2026. Further, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with valid Certificates of Authority from the Department of Trade and Industry are not covered by the minimum wage law under Republic Act No. 9178.

For inquiries regarding the new wage orders and/or technical assistance in addressing wage distortion, RTWPB-XI can be reached through its email address: rb11@nwpc.dole.gov.ph.