(The Provincial Government of Northern Samar)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Workers, employers and other stakeholders in this province presented competing views on proposed minimum wage adjustments during a consultation on Sept. 24, with workers citing rising living costs while employers raised concerns over their ability to absorb higher labor expenses.
The second-leg consultation, held at Sumuroy Hall at the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol, brought together private-sector workers, employers, cooperatives, construction representatives and domestic workers, or kasambahays, as part of the ongoing wage determination process in Eastern Visayas.
Workers said increases in electricity, fuel, transportation and food prices have made it necessary to raise the minimum wage to help households cope with higher living expenses.
Employers and business representatives, however, expressed concern that a substantial wage increase would add to their operating costs and could affect prices, business operations and employment.
Proposed adjustments presented during the consultation varied, ranging from about 5% to 23% of the current regional minimum wage.
Under Wage Order No.25, the current private-sector minimum wage in Eastern Visayas ranges from P440 to P470 per day, following the implementation of its second tranche on June 1, 2026.
For domestic workers, Wage Order No.06 sets the minimum monthly wage at P5,800 to P6,400.
The consultation also highlighted the need for employers of kasambahays to be aware of and comply with existing wage standards.
Board Member Ferdinand Ulalan, the workers’ representative, said the positions raised by various sectors would serve as inputs in the deliberations of the DOLE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VIII.
“Malaking bagay po ‘yan sa amin bilang batayan sa aming deliberasyon,” Ulalan said, referring to the views presented by workers, employers, cooperatives and construction representatives.
Board Member Edwin Mañas, representing employers, acknowledged the challenge of balancing the concerns of workers and employers amid rising fuel and electricity costs.
Mañas said the board would carefully review the information and positions presented during the consultation.
The Northern Samar consultation was organized with the support of the provincial government under Gov. Harris Ongchuan through the Northern Samar Provincial Employment Service Office, in coordination with the DOLE RTWPB VIII.
The consultation is part of a regional wage determination process covering Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. The first consultation was held in Biliran on Sept. 17.
Mañas urged participants to submit their position papers, with the deadline set on Nov. 5, the date of the last public hearing.
He stressed that any wage adjustment discussed during the consultations remains a proposal and will still be subject to further deliberation, taking into consideration the positions and concerns of both workers and employers.
(EUGENE M. ENANO)
