The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-V (RTWPB-V) has unanimously decided, through Wage Order No. RBV-23, to increase the daily minimum wage across Bicol Region by ₱45, raising it from ₱435 to ₱480.

The wage order shall be effective on 08 April 2026 and will be given in two tranches – ₱20 upon its effectivity, and ₱25 on 01 December 2026. The new daily minimum wage is equivalent to ₱11,868 per month upon effectivity and will increase to ₱12,520 on 01 December 2026.

This will directly benefit an estimated 101,868 minimum wage earners, with an additional estimated 409,081 full-time workers earning above the minimum wage expected to indirectly benefit from wage adjustments arising from the correction of wage distortions or the narrowing of pay gaps between different job levels.

In affirming the wage order, the NWPC found that RTWPB-V complied with the criteria for determining minimum wage increases under Republic Act (RA) No. 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act, 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.

Following the standing directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., the NWPC conducts a timely and regular review of regional minimum wage rates to reduce economic uncertainty and foster a stronger link between productivity and fair pay, ensuring that wage growth remains balanced with business viability.

Since the start of President Marcos’ administration, cumulative minimum wage increases for the period 2023-2025 have reached ₱125 in NCR and range from ₱80 to ₱140 in other regions. A total of 89 wage orders has been issued by RTWPBs – 48 for private establishments, and 41 for domestic workers.

Sixteen (16) wage orders for private sector workers in all regions have been issued for the 2025–2026 cycle, marking the conclusion of the wage review cycle for the said period. The next cycle is anticipated to commence by May 2026, or within 60 days prior to the anniversary of the National Capital Region wage order.

To ensure these mandates are felt on the ground, the DOLE and RTWPB-V are undertaking region-wide information campaigns through mass media and social media, and close monitoring of establishments through labor inspections. The NWPC and RTWPB-V are also actively providing technical assistance to enterprises in addressing wage distortions through NWPC Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023.

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 06 June 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-V can be reached through its email address: rb5@nwpc.dole.gov.ph.