The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–VII (RTWPB-VII) held the fourth leg of its minimum wage public consultation on August 5, 2026 at the Balamban Municipal Hall, Balamban, Cebu.

The consultation gathered representatives from various sectors, including workers and management, to discuss the current socio‑economic situation in Central Visayas.

Workers raised concerns over rising costs of basic goods and services, and called for wage adjustments that would help them meet their daily needs. Meanwhile, employers and management representatives emphasized the need to balance wage increases with business sustainability, competitiveness, and the capacity of enterprises to absorb additional costs.

The consultation provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing stakeholders to share their perspectives and propose solutions. Participants emphasized that such consultations strengthen tripartism and foster inclusive decision‑making in wage determination.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Emmanuel Y. Ferrer, who represented RTWPB-VII Chairperson Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, said that inputs gathered during the consultation will help guide the Board’s review of minimum wage rates in Region VII amid prevailing economic conditions.

Also present were newly designated personnel from the RTWPB-Negros Island Region (NIR) namely, Atty. Lee Anthony Verdoguillo, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Evita Mae Remoroso, and Administrative Assistant III Sofia Villaluz. They attended the consultation to observe and gain firsthand experience in the conduct of wage consultations, and strengthen the capacity‑building for RTWPB-Negros Island Region.

The RTWPB-VII will continue to gather position papers and hold subsequent public hearings across Central Visayas before deliberating on whether to issue a new wage order.

The RTWPB-VII is set to conduct the remaining public consultations in other areas of the region:

The RTWPB-VII officially commenced the minimum wage determination process following the publication of a Notice of Public Hearing on August 5, 2026 or the 60th day prior to the anniversary date of the current wage order. (Atty. Jess Russell F. Jumalon)