Davao Region Wage Review Continues as Board Deliberates Proposals
Wages in the Davao Region remain unchanged as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Davao continues its thorough review of proposals for a potential increase. Board members are actively deliberating on issues raised by both labor and management representatives during recent discussions, with no final decision reached yet. The board has not announced the date for its next hearing, keeping stakeholders in anticipation.
Public Hearing Details and Key Participants
A public hearing was held on February 13, 2026, at the Grand Regal Hotel, supervised by the Department of Labor and Employment and the National Wages and Productivity Commission. Representatives from the labor and management sectors discussed proposed wage adjustments for private sector employees and domestic workers. The proceedings were led by Board Chairperson and Dole-Davao Regional Director Randolf C. Pensoy, with Vice-Chairpersons Romeo L. Castañaga and Priscilla R. Sonido. Labor representatives Josefina C. Lim and Virginia T. Camus, along with management representatives Susan P. Carriaga and Roland T. Suico, participated in the discussions.
Pensoy emphasized inclusivity during the hearing, stating, "Everyone has the right to speak. Let the members of your representation, where you belong to a sector, collate all your information, your points, your observations, and your comments, so that it can be used by them to talk, to discuss." This statement came after the labor sector presented its position, highlighting the board's commitment to fair dialogue.
Inclusivity Efforts and Extended Deadlines
While private sector representatives attended the hearing, domestic workers, known as kasambahays, and their employers were notably absent. To ensure all voices are heard, Vice-Chairperson Castañaga extended the deadline for these groups to submit formal position papers until February 18, 2026. Castañaga explained, "These public consultations serve as more than just a procedural formality. They ensure that wage decisions are informed, transparent, and grounded in the actual needs of the community." This move aims to address gaps in participation and foster a more comprehensive review process.
Legal Framework and Current Wage Standards
The RTWPB-Davao periodically reviews minimum wages under Republic Act No. 6727, which mandates regional boards to align wages with economic conditions and the cost of living. Under Wage Order No. RB XI-23, effective March 7, 2025, private sector workers received a P29 daily increase. This adjustment raised the minimum daily wage to P510 for non-agriculture workers and P505 for agriculture workers. For domestic workers, the monthly minimum wage is set at P6,000 in chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and P5,000 in other municipalities.
Ongoing Deliberations and Future Implications
With labor groups advocating for higher wages to meet rising living costs and management expressing concerns about potential impacts on business sustainability, the board continues to weigh all considerations carefully. The outcome of these deliberations will affect thousands of workers across the Davao Region, making it a critical issue for the local economy. The board's ruling, once issued, will reflect a balance between worker welfare and economic stability, shaped by the inputs from recent consultations.
