The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–VII (RTWPB-VII) held a public hearing on minimum wage for private sector workers and domestic workers in the Negros Island Region (NIR), particularly in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, on 25 August 2026 at Joshua 1, Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete City.

The consultation was led by RTWPB-VII Chairperson Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment–Regional Office VII (DOLE-RO VII), and RTWPB-NIR Chairperson Atty. Randolph Pensoy, Regional Director of DOLE-NIR. The hearing provided stakeholders from Negros Oriental and Siquijor an opportunity to present their views and inputs on possible wage adjustments.

The set-up was anchored from Administrative Order No. 264, series of 2025, which established an Interim Department of Labor and Employment – Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) and Section III, Letter A thereof, provides that until the RTWPB NIR shall have been constituted, the RTWPB VI and RTWPB VII shall continue to cover the provinces in their respective areas, which means that, the RTWPB VII will cover the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor for that matter.

Under the framework of NWPC Guidelines No. 3, series of 2020, the public hearing serves as a vital prerequisite before any official wage adjustment can be deliberated.

Atty. Buenafe led the session, emphasizing transparency and fair evaluation as the board gathered testimonies and economic data from key sector representatives and reiterated their commitment to balancing worker welfare with regional economic stability.

Atty. Pensoy, on the other hand, manifested to express his plea for full cooperation and support from the management as well as the labor sectors in Negros Island Region pending the formation of RTWPB-NIR.

Labor representatives highlighted the continuing erosion of purchasing power due to inflation and the rising costs of food, fuel, and utilities. Union leaders urged the board to approve a substantial wage increase to help working-class families maintain a decent standard of living.

While business leaders and representatives from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expressed concerns over rising operational expenses. Employers urged the panel to consider business viability and economic capacity to prevent layoffs or reduced hiring.

Under the NWPC Guidelines No. 3, series of 2020, any resulting wage order issued by the board will be submitted to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for review prior to publication and enforcement which shall not only affect across Region VII but also NIR-Negros Oriental and Siquijor as well pursuant to A.O. No. 264, series of 2025.