The RTWPB-NCR convened a public hearing on the proposed wage adjustment for domestic workers in the National Capital Region on 12 January 2026 at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The public hearing was attended by a broad range of stakeholders, including leaders and members of domestic workers’ organizations; representatives from employer groups, homeowners’ associations, and private employment agencies; barangay officials; and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) representatives from across the NCR, among others.

In her opening message, DOLE-NCR Regional Director and concurrent Chair of RTWPB – NCR Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol underscored the Board’s mandate to determine domestic workers’ wages pursuant to Republic Act No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act.

She emphasized that the wage determination process would be carried out “in a fair and equitable manner, and will take into consideration the cost of living, and socio-economic factors, in line with national economic and social development goals.”

During the hearing, participants expressed general support for a possible wage increase aimed at improving the welfare of domestic workers in the region. Key issues raised included the classification and treatment of on-call workers as kasambahays, the mandatory implementation of employment contracts, access to livelihood assistance and leave benefits, and the need to strengthen measures against maltreatment and abuse.

Several stakeholders also stressed that any proposed wage adjustment should account for inflation and rising basic commodity prices, while others cited field experiences showing wage improvements through local interventions.

The NCR Board assured stakeholders that all concerns and recommendations raised during the public hearing would be given due and equal consideration in the forthcoming wage deliberations. It further affirmed that any decision on wage adjustment would be guided by relevant and feasible economic criteria to safeguard the interests of both employers and domestic workers in the region. By: Joel Leonard M. Santarina