The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) MIMAROPA convened an advocacy meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Oriental Mindoro District Engineering Office on July 14, 2026 to introduce the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for lower-wage workers in the construction industry.

The meeting, held at the DPWH Oriental Mindoro District Engineering Office, was attended by District Engineer Engr. Romelda A. Bangasan and Assistant District Engineer Engr. Albien M. Mahia, who engaged in discussions on the recently issued National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) Advisory and its potential impact on workers and employers in the construction sector.

During the advocacy session, RTWPB-MIMAROPA presented the key features of the Progressive Wage Model, including its rationale, guiding principles, implementation framework, and development roadmap. The Board highlighted how the PWM encourages businesses to link wage increases with productivity improvements and skills advancement, creating opportunities for lower-wage workers to achieve sustainable wage growth while enhancing enterprise competitiveness.

The discussion also explored potential areas of collaboration between RTWPB-MIMAROPA and DPWH, particularly in strengthening information dissemination efforts and advocacy initiatives that would encourage the voluntary adoption of the PWM among construction firms and industry stakeholders across the region.

The advocacy meeting underscores RTWPB-MIMAROPA’s continuing commitment to advancing productivity, skills development, and inclusive wage growth through strategic partnerships with government agencies and industry partners. (Bernice Joanna R. Villan)