New wage set for Central Luzon

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — A new minimum wage rate in Central Luzon will take effect on Oct. 17 after its affirmation by the National Wages and Productivity Commission and publication in a local daily.

Wage Order RBIII-25 mandates a P50 to P66 increase in the daily minimum wage of workers in private establishments in the region.

“The increase will be given in two tranches – P25 to P41 upon effectivity of the wage order on Oct. 17 and another P25 effective April 16, 2025,” said Geraldine Panlilio, Department of Labor and Employment director for the region.

Panlilio, who also chairs the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, said the new minimum wage in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales will be P525 for non-agriculture, P495 for agriculture and P515 for retail/service under the first tranche.

Next year, when the second tranche will be implemented, the minimum wage would be at P550 for non-agriculture, P520 for agriculture and P540 for retail/service, she added.

The minimum wage in Aurora province upon effectivity of the first tranche will be P475 for non-agriculture, P460 for agriculture and P410 for retail/service. Upon implementation of the second tranche, the minimum wage will be P500 for non-agriculture, P485 for agriculture and P435 for retail/service.