Almost 700 stakeholders across SOCCSKSARGEN attended sectoral consultations conducted by Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-XII (RTWPB-XII) from August to September 2026. 

Held across different areas and sectors of the region, each consultation leg combined technical briefing with direct dialogue.  

Resource persons from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development-XII, and Department of Trade and Industry-XII presented the regional socio-economic profile, prevailing prices of basic and prime commodities, and wage-setting procedures. The activities were carried out with full support from the DOLE-XII Regional Office and its Field Offices in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, General Santos, and Sarangani 

Labor and management groups held separate workshop sessions to submit their positions to be taken up at the public hearing.  

Labor representatives pressed for a wage adjustment that keeps pace with the rising cost of living and called for the same protection to reach domestic workers who are often left out of wage gains. 

Meanwhile, management representatives called for a measured approach, urging RTWPB-XII to consider the capacity of small and medium enterprises to survive and continue providing jobs. 

RTWPB-XII Imelda F. Gatinao, who is also DOLE-XII Regional Director, vowed to expand consultations to include targeted groups. 

“We will weigh everything, dahil lahat ito ay may bearing. Your Board will consider all relevant data to come up with a sound decision.” 

With sectoral consultations now complete, RTWPB-XII will be conducting public hearings on possible wage adjustments in SOCCSKSARGEN.  

Workers, employers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to watch for the official public hearing schedule to be announced by RTWPB-XII, or coordinate with the Secretariat at (083) 520-0129. (Randy Oliver Legada)