As part of the continuing wage-setting process, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards IV-A held the final two legs of its public hearings in Cavite on 15 September 2026, and Rizal on 17 September 2026, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to present their positions, concerns, and recommendations on the proposed minimum wage adjustment for Region IV-A (CALABARZON).

During the Cavite public hearing, employer representatives, including the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), emphasized the impact of rising operational costs and global competition on businesses. ECOP noted that employers recognize the increasing cost of living faced by workers but also raised concerns that substantial wage increases without corresponding government support could affect business operations, employment, and competitiveness.  

Labor representatives, meanwhile, emphasized that workers should be considered an important productive asset of businesses. The FFW raised concerns regarding the rising cost of living and the urgency of providing wage relief to workers. The garments sector also shared challenges involving declining orders, international competition, and workforce reductions.  

The kasambahay sector also presented its concerns, particularly on the adequacy of the current ₱6,750 monthly minimum wage for domestic workers in Region IV-A. A representative cited transportation, food, housing, and education expenses and appealed for an increase closer to ₱7,000–₱8,000. A management participant likewise noted that prevailing market rates for domestic workers are already around this range. 

In the Rizal public hearing, stakeholders likewise presented diverse perspectives on the regional wage-setting system. Labor representatives called for higher and more unified wage rates, citing differences in living costs between CALABARZON and Metro Manila. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), for instance, raised concerns regarding geographical wage disparities and called for the unification of regional minimum wage rates. 

On the management side, ECOP Region IV-A highlighted the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including rising operational costs and difficulties recovering from recent economic disruptions. It expressed support for wage policies that consider business continuity and local economic conditions, while also advocating for government assistance to workers through direct subsidies. 

The domestic workers’ sector in Rizal also appealed for an increase in the monthly minimum wage, with representatives citing the current ₱6,750 rate as insufficient for basic household needs. Some employers likewise acknowledged the difficulty of meeting household expenses at the current rate, while sharing the financial challenges also being experienced by small businesses 

Throughout the hearings, the Board and its stakeholders discussed the need to consider both workers’ welfare and employers’ capacity to sustain employment and business operations. The Board also explained its mandate and the importance of balancing the interests and concerns of the different sectors in determining the appropriate regional minimum wage.  

The inputs gathered from the Cavite and Rizal hearings will form part of the Board’s continuing assessment and deliberations on the proposed minimum wage adjustment for Region IV-A.