TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – II (RTWPB-II) has intensified its monitoring and assessment of the regional socioeconomic conditions through consultations, data gathering, and stakeholder engagements, in line with the anniversary of the Wage Order No. RTWPB 2-24 on November.

In line with the directive of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino to closely monitor economic developments affecting workers and employers, the RTWPB-II convened its Board Meeting on 25 August 2026, through a hybrid setup at the DOLE Region 2 Conference Room in Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City.

The meeting was chaired by DOLE Regional Director and RTWPB-II Chairperson Imelda E. Romanillos and attended by Board Members Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr., Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev); Ma. Sofia G. Narag, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); employers’ representatives Gary Ka Hong Uy Chong and Gerald C. Tactay; and workers’ representatives Johnny M. Alvaro and Jesus B. Villamor.

During the meeting, the Board discussed updates on wage-related indicators, prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, inflation trends, labor market developments, productivity concerns, and other socioeconomic factors relevant to the region. Inputs from partner government agencies were likewise presented to support the Board’s continuing assessment of economic conditions.

A significant portion of the discussions focused on the finalization of schedules and activities for the Board’s ongoing consultative and information-gathering efforts. These activities are intended to ensure that stakeholders from various sectors are provided the opportunity to share their views and perspectives on prevailing economic and labor conditions.

Earlier, on 18 August 2026, the RTWPB-II held a preparatory meeting to discuss the schedule of consultations, meetings, and other related activities.

They likewise scheduled a series of sectoral consultations from 1-4 September 2026, involving employment-generating industries in Region 2. Separate consultations will also be conducted with stakeholders from the kasambahay sector and with employers and workers in the Province of Batanes to ensure wider representation and participation in the consultative process.

The consultations will gather stakeholder inputs and information on current economic realities, industry conditions, employment trends, and other concerns affecting workers and enterprises across the region. Information obtained from these activities will complement data and reports provided by partner agencies and other official sources.

The Board emphasized that its continuing assessment is anchored on tripartism, evidence-based discussions, and stakeholder engagement. These activities form part of the Board’s mandate to monitor socioeconomic developments and evaluate relevant indicators in accordance with existing laws, rules, and procedures governing wage determination.

Through these initiatives, RTWPB-II reaffirms its commitment to promoting balanced, responsive, and data-driven wage and productivity policies that support workers, employers, and the sustained development of the Region 2 economy.