The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – I (RTWPB-I) held a sectoral consultation at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Complex in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan, last 09 September 2026, bringing together representatives from the labor and management sectors, as well as other key stakeholders, to gather their recommendations, feedback, and concerns as inputs to the minimum wage determination process in the region.

The consultation was held in two sessions. The wholesale and retail, manufacturing, academe, food and accommodation sectors participated in the morning session from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, while representatives from the construction, tourism, energy and transportation sectors attended the afternoon session from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Resource speakers from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) were invited to provide participants with relevant and updated information affecting their respective sectors.

The PSA presented the latest socioeconomic data and developments in Region 1, providing participants with a broader picture of the region’s current economic situation and trends.

Meanwhile, the DTI discussed the prevailing prices of basic commodities, giving participants an opportunity to gain a better understanding of current market conditions and price movements.

The DOLE, for its part, provided information on compliance with the prevailing minimum wage rates, emphasizing the importance of employers’ adherence to existing wage regulations and labor standards. The consultation served as a venue for open dialogue between labor and management representatives.

Participants were encouraged to share their concerns, expectations and best practices. The feedback gathered, together with the region’s prevailing economic conditions, the needs of workers, the stability of businesses, and the concerns of various stakeholders, will help guide the Board in determining an appropriate and responsive minimum wage for the region. (Judi Khenn C. Faustino-Mojica)