The RTWPB-VII is intensifying its wage orientation efforts in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, with a strong focus on guiding affected businesses through the process of applying for wage exemptions.

The earthquake, which severely damaged infrastructure and disrupted local economies across the northern local government units, has posed unprecedented challenges to establishments striving to comply with the latest minimum wage order.

On November 20, 2025, personnel from RTWPB-VII, led by Board Secretary Atty. Evita G. Mendoza-Balane, proactively addressed these critical needs by conducting specialized Wage Exemption Orientation clinics for establishments in the northern part of Cebu, particularly in the City of Bogo and the municipalities of Daanbantayan, Medellin, and San Remegio.

These sessions were designed to inform affected establishments about the documentary requirements and procedures for filing exemptions, taking into account the extraordinary circumstances many are facing in these localities.

Before the earthquake, the prevailing wage rate in Class B areas of northern Cebu was set at ₱500 per day, a rate intended as a win-win solution for both management and labor. However, the widespread damage has forced many businesses to reassess their financial capacities, leading to a surge in inquiries about temporary relief from the new wage mandates.

“We have already noted the immense need to orient establishments in northern Cebu that have experienced enormous difficulties in their business operations after the dreaded earthquake,” said Atty. Mendoza-Balane during an orientation held in a makeshift community center in Daanbantayan, one of the hardest-hit areas.

“While we uphold the welfare of our workers through fair wages, we also recognize the need for flexibility and support for employers grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster. These orientations aim to strike that balance by providing clear pathways for temporary exemptions,” she added.

Key aspects covered in these orientation clinics include:

1. Eligibility for Exemption: Detailed discussion on which types of establishments may qualify for exemption;
2. Application Process and Requirements: A step-by-step guide on how to formally apply for a wage exemption with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-7), including necessary documentation such as damage assessments; and
3. Temporary Nature of Exemptions: Emphasizing that any granted exemptions have only a duration of one (1) year from the effectivity of the newly issued Wage Order No. 26.

Participants, particularly establishments that sustained significant damage, expressed relief at RTWPB-VII’s proactive approach. They noted that knowing there is a process for exemption—even if temporary—offers them a glimmer of hope to rebuild without being immediately overwhelmed by full wage compliance while still recovering.