The RTWPB-X recently conducted a series of public hearings on minimum wage determination covering workers in the private sector and domestic wThe public hearings were held in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental; Iligan City; Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and Cagayan de Oro City on December 1, 2, 9, and 10 respectively.

In each hearing, RTWPB-X Board Secretary Atty. Ma. Vergel B. Walag provided a comprehensive overview of the minimum wage determination process. The discussion covered the legal framework, evaluation criteria, and consultative mechanisms employed by the Board in assessing possible wage adjustments.

Approximately 500 representatives from labor groups, employer organizations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders across region 10 actively participated in the hearings.

Key national and regional government agencies likewise presented relevant data and analyses to support informed deliberations. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev-10) presented the regional economic situation and outlook; the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-X) shared provincial economic performance indicators; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-X) discussed price movements of basic necessities and prime commodities; the Department of Agriculture (DA-X) reported on developments in the agricultural sector; and the Department of Energy–Mindanao Field Office provided updates on fuel price trends.

The DOLE X Regional Director and RTWPB-X Chairperson Joffrey M. Suyao underscored the importance of the public hearings as a vital mechanism for participatory governance and evidence-based wage setting. He emphasized that the activity serves as a platform for constructive dialogue among the tripartite partners—government, labor, and management—ensuring that wage policies are fair, responsive, and grounded in the prevailing socio-economic realities of the region.

Director Suyao highlighted the crucial role of the labor sector in articulating workers’ welfare concerns and advocating for decent living standards, while recognizing the responsibility of the management sector in sustaining business viability, productivity, and employment generation. He further stressed the government’s role in balancing these interests by providing accurate data, sound policy direction, and an enabling environment that promotes inclusive growth and social justice. Director Suyao also reiterated that the Board’s decisions are anchored on transparency, consultation, and adherence to the law.

The conduct of the public hearings forms part of the Board’s regular review of the prevailing wage order and its continuous monitoring of regional socio-economic conditions. These consultations aimed to provide stakeholders with the widest opportunity to be heard as the Board evaluates the propriety of issuing a new wage order.

The RTWPB-Region X, pursuant to Republic Act No. 6727, is mandated to determine minimum wage rates at the regional, provincial, and/or industry levels.