The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–III (RTWPB-III) briefed business leaders on the latest labor and wage policies during the Metro Angeles-Clark Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII) Breakfast Club Forum held on 20 August 2026 at the Madison Crown Hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The RTWPB-III discussed how to strike a balance between labor compliance in terms of wage adjustments, in light of the second tranche of Wage Order No. RBIII-26 which took effect on 16 April 2026, while ensuring productivity within their adjusted operational structures due to weather disturbances and other crises.

RTWPB-III’s Senior Labor Employment Officer Roberto P. Torres walked attendees through DOLE Department Order No. 238-23 and the various flexible work arrangements (FWA) employers may adopt.

He highlighted the substantial differences among various options from compressed workweeks to telecommuting that affect workers’ level of productivity, motivation, and safety. He stressed that any scheme must be grounded in voluntary agreement between employer and employees, with no diminution of benefits.

Meanwhile, Labor Employment Officer III Dennis Joseph S. Raymundo discussed the mechanism of wage distortion, which guided the MSMEs and entrepreneurs on how to properly correct pay gaps that arise following mandated wage adjustments.

Aside from information dissemination, the session also served as an open forum, where local business owners raised real workplace concerns and got straight answers on compliance, compensation, and productivity best practices.

This forum is regularly organized by MACCII to gather enterprises in Angeles and Clark, equipping them with key regulatory updates, strengthening labor compliance, and offering networking opportunities.

RTWPB-III continues to engage the business community on wage and labor concerns, because informed employers make for fairer and productive workplaces. (Kiara Francesca Songsong)