RTWPB-MIMAROPA successfully concluded a series of consultations and public hearings in Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Oriental Mindoro, reaffirming its commitment to participatory and evidence-based wage determination.

The activities, conducted on November 12, 18, and December 2, 2025, provided a platform for private sector workers, kasambahays, employers, and government representatives to share perspectives on prevailing wages, rising costs of living, challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises and economic realities.

Workers expressed the need for wage adjustments to meet basic family needs, while employers highlighted the importance of sustainability and capacity to pay. Both sectors acknowledged the role of collaboration in fostering decent work, sustaining enterprises, and strengthening the regional economy.

Public hearings aim to achieve a fair and balanced wage policy that protects workers without compromising business viability.

RTWPB-MIMAROPA emphasized that the minimum wage setting is not merely about numbers but about creating an environment where productivity, equity, and economic resilience go hand in hand. These consultations and public hearings exemplify the essence of tripartism: government, labor, and management working together to promote decent work and inclusive growth.

Insights gathered will serve as a cornerstone for decisions that uphold social justice and economic resilience in the region. (Ser Michael Lancelot P. Gamboa)