CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Minimum wage earners in Central Luzon will receive higher daily pay starting April 16, 2026, with the implementation of the second tranche of Wage Order No. RBIII-26.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 3 said the adjustments will add ₱30 to ₱40 to existing wage rates for workers in the private sector, completing the increase of ₱50 to ₱80 approved under the wage order.
The first tranche, which granted ₱20 to ₱40, took effect on October 30, 2025.
With the new adjustment, daily minimum wages in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, will reach ₱600 for non-agriculture, ₱570 for agriculture, and ₱590 for retail and service establishments.
In Aurora, wage rates will increase to ₱560 for non-agriculture, ₱545 for agriculture, and ₱515 for retail and service establishments.
RTWPB III Board Secretary Kenneth Liza said the wage hike reflects the board’s efforts to address the needs of workers while supporting business sustainability.
“The Board recognizes the day-to-day realities now being faced by our workers, as well as the operational pressures on enterprises. This calibrated increase is in a way reassuring that support is extended on both sides, to protect jobs and sustain business operations,” Liza said.
The wage order was formulated following consultations and public hearings, taking into account the region’s socio-economic conditions, cost of living, productivity levels, and employees’ capacity to pay.
RTWPB III said the implementation of the second tranche highlights its continuing effort to improve workers’ welfare while maintaining stable and sustainable business operations in Central Luzon. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
