The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-XII (RTWPB-XII) highlighted its continuing efforts to strengthen evidence-based wage policy development in a meeting with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino at General Santos City on 03 July 2026.

The meeting with Secretary Tolentino gathered members of RTWPB-XII Members, Labor and Employment Officers, Public Employment Service Office Managers, and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board Government Conciliators Association Members-XII.

During the activity, RTWPB-XII presented its strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing the wage determination process through research and multi-sectoral collaboration.

Central to the presentation was the adoption of RTWPB-XII Resolution No. 02, Series of 2026, which institutionalizes partnerships with academic institutions to enhance wage-related research and generate reliable data that will support future wage policy decisions.

RTWPB-XII also provided updates on its 2026 Tentative Wage Review Indicative Action Plan, outlining its roadmap for conducting a transparent, consultative, and evidence-based wage review.

In his message, DOLE Secretary Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino underscored the significance of expanding collaboration with the academic community in shaping wage policies.

“By bringing the academe into our wage determination process, we are taking a decisive step toward evidence-based wage determination, ensuring that every decision is supported by credible research and reliable data,” Secretary Tolentino said.

The activity also served as a platform for dialogue among government agencies, labor representatives, employers, and employment service stakeholders, reaffirming the value of collaboration in addressing evolving labor market conditions. (Randy Oliver Legada)