In a significant move to support the Filipino workforce, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marked Labor Day by formalizing minimum wage increases for Northern Mindanao and the CARAGA Region.
Effective immediately, the daily minimum wage in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) has been raised to ₱500, while workers in the CARAGA Region (Region 13) will now receive ₱475.
During his keynote address, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that worker compensation remains relevant amidst changing economic conditions.
He noted that regulatory bodies have been aggressive in reviewing and implementing these adjustments over the last three years.
“Sa pamamagitan ng regional tripartite wages and productivity boards, naipasa ang 89 na wage order mula Hunyo 2023 hanggang Abril 2026. Kabilang dito ang wage hikes na epektibo ngayong araw tulad ng sa Region X at Region 13.”
(“Through the regional tripartite wages and productivity boards, 89 wage orders were passed from June 2023 to April 2026. This includes the wage hikes effective today, such as those in Region X and Region 13.”)
This latest implementation serves as the second tranche of a comprehensive wage adjustment cycle that commenced in January 2026.
The President further assured the nation that the administration is not stopping here, as authorities continue to evaluate the adequacy of current pay scales across the archipelago.
“Patuloy din ang pagsusuri ng minimum wage sa mga rehiyon.”
(“The review of the minimum wage in the regions is also ongoing.”)
REGIONAL WAGE UPDATES: A CLOSER LOOK
The new rates vary depending on the specific location and sector of employment:
- Northern Mindanao (Region 10): In major urban centers and Category I areas—including Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Malaybalay—the daily rate for both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors rose from ₱486 to ₱500. In Category II areas, which cover smaller retail and service establishments, the wage moved from ₱471 to ₱485.
- CARAGA (Region 13): All workers in the region saw a uniform increase, with the daily minimum wage climbing from ₱455 to ₱475 as of May 1.
MORE INCREASES ON THE HORIZON
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed that several other regions are scheduled for similar adjustments in the near future. On June 1, the second tranche of hikes will take effect in the Zamboanga Peninsula (₱25) and Eastern Visayas (₱18).
Furthermore, the Bicol Region and Western Visayas are also slated for wage increases later this year, ensuring a phased rollout of improved compensation across the country.