The newly-appointed personnel of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–Negros Island Region (RTWPB-NIR) observed the fourth leg of the public consultation for the minimum wage determination conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–VII (RTWPB-VII) on 5 August 2026 at the Balamban Municipal Hall in Cebu.

The RTWPB-NIR representatives, Atty. Lee A. T. Verdoguillo, Attorney IV, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Evita Mae Remoroso, and Administrative Assistant III Sofia Villaluz, participated as observers to gain firsthand exposure to the wage consultation process and learn from the discussions between labor and management stakeholders.

The activity was attended by representatives from the labor and management sectors who gathered to discuss prevailing economic conditions in the region and provide inputs relevant to wage determination.

A representative from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) served as resource speaker and discussed key economic indicators, including factors contributing to the rising costs of basic commodities and services.

During the consultation, workers’ representatives expressed their call for wage adjustments to help address increasing living expenses and support the basic needs of their families. Meanwhile, employers and management representatives highlighted the importance of balancing wage increases with business sustainability, productivity, competitiveness, and the capacity of enterprises to absorb additional labor costs.

An open forum followed the presentations, providing participants from both the labor and management sectors the opportunity to raise concerns, exchange views, and propose possible solutions to current wage-related issues.

The inputs and concerns raised during the consultation will be considered in the Board’s ongoing review of wage conditions in Central Visayas, ensuring that the views of both workers and employers are taken into account in the wage-setting process.