The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–Region X (RTWPB-X) on 11 September 2026 kicked off a series of sectoral wage consultations for the agribusiness sector, bringing together employer and worker representatives from a wide range of agricultural industries across Northern Mindanao.

Employers and workers representing diverse agribusiness subsectors, including sugar, banana, pineapple, piggery and poultry, fisheries, rabbit and quail production, among others participated in the consultations. Their participation provided the RTWPB-X with perspectives from industries with varying production systems, market conditions, labor requirements, operating costs, and workforce concerns.

The sectoral consultations aimed to gather relevant data, industry-specific information, and on-the-ground perspectives from stakeholders to help inform the region’s minimum wage-setting process. By engaging both employers and workers directly, RTWPB-X seeks to better understand the actual conditions confronting businesses and their workforce across Northern Mindanao.

Mr. Ronald Pacana, Senior Development Specialist of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), presented an overview of the socio-economic conditions in Region 10. His presentation highlighted key economic developments and trends affecting the region’s industries, businesses, workers, and households.

Regional Director Ruel B. Paclipan of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 10 (DTI-10) presented updates on prevailing price trends for basic goods and commodities. The presentation provided stakeholders with information on current market conditions and changes in prices that have implications for household purchasing power, business operating costs, and the overall economic environment.

Mr. Patrick Sam R. Elim, Market Specialist III of the Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10) discussed current price trends of agricultural products and relevant market conditions affecting the agribusiness sector. He also provided additional context on the opportunities and challenges faced by agricultural producers and enterprises in the region.

Meanwhile, employer and worker representatives shared their experiences, concerns, and observations from their respective industries. Representatives from the sugar, banana, pineapple, livestock, poultry, fisheries, rabbit, quail, and other agribusiness subsectors provided industry-specific perspectives on matters affecting both business operations and workers.

Stakeholder inputs form an important part of the Wage Consultation and Minimum Wage Determination process, as RTWPB-10 considers relevant socio-economic indicators together with the views and experiences of employers, workers, and other stakeholders in assessing wage conditions in Northern Mindanao.

Following the agribusiness consultation, RTWPB-10 will continue its series of consultations with other sectors across Northern Mindanao, providing more employers, workers, and stakeholders opportunities to participate in the wage-setting process.