RTWPB-I teamed up with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on 16 September 2025 to conduct a consultation discuss their position on the ongoing minimum wage determination in the region.

During the consultation, held in Dagupan City, Pangasinan the members shared their concerns and views regarding the ongoing discussions of a potential minimum wage increase in the region and bills being introduced in Congress regarding the minimum wage.

Howard Chua Cham, President of ECOP, emphasized the importance of handling the minimum wage determination process in the region, he stated, “we come together as one in building the economy of Region I.”

DTI Regional Director Merlie D. Membrere expressed her agreement and underscored that minimum wage determination should be conducted at the regional level, as local authorities are more familiar with the unique economic conditions and circumstances of the region. After thorough discussions, ECOP submitted its position paper to the RTWPB-I.

Twenty ECOP members, DOLE Regional Director-RD Exequiel Ronie Guzman, DTI Regional Director-RD Merlie Membrere, Management Representatives-BM Ives Nisce and BM Ed Poserio, and DEPDEV Regional Director-RD Stephanie Christiansen participated in the activity in person and virtual means.