SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-II (RTWPB-II) successfully conducted its first public hearing for the 2026 minimum wage determination in Region II on 21 September 2026 at the 3rd Floor, Legislative Building, Municipal Hall, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. The activity marked the first leg of the Board’s series of public hearings for workers in the private sector and domestic workers (kasambahay).

A total of 87 participants from various sectors attended the hearing, including 27 labor representatives, 28 employer representatives, and 32 domestic workers (kasambahay). The hearing provided stakeholders an opportunity to share their views and recommendations on wage adjustments and labor conditions in the region.

In her opening statement, Board Chairperson Imelda E. Romanillos, CESO IV, emphasized that public hearings provide an avenue for stakeholders to voice their concerns. She underscored that the wage determination process is anchored on tripartism, with labor, management, and government representatives participating in policy discussions and decision-making.

Resource agencies also presented key socio-economic indicators. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region II discussed the region’s socio-economic situation, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region II and Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office II presented updates on prices and trends of basic commodities and agricultural products.

Board Secretary OIC Nelson Lerios also presented the existing minimum wage rates for private-sector workers and domestic workers, as well as the legal framework, criteria, and procedures governing the wage determination process.

The highlight of the hearing was the presentation of sectoral positions, where representatives from labor, employers, and domestic workers presented their respective views and recommendations on minimum wage determination. The exchange reinforced the importance of social dialogue and tripartite consultation.

RTWPB-II encourages stakeholders and interested sectors to participate in the succeeding public hearings and contribute their perspectives to the wage determination process.

Upcoming Public Hearings:

• • September 23, 2026 – Quirino Province Gymnasium, Cabarroguis, Quirino
  • September 24, 2026 – Governor Faustino N. Dy Sr. Hall, City of Ilagan, Isabela
  • September 28, 2026 – Peoples Gymnasium, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with hybrid participation for Batanes stakeholders

The Board invites all interested members of the public to attend the upcoming public hearings and contribute to the regional wage determination process.