Over 3 Million Region 8 Workers to Receive P20 Daily Wage Increase Starting Aug. 18

Posted on August 5, 2026 at 8:25 am

Tacloban City — Over three million private sector workers in Eastern Visayas are expected to receive a wage increase starting August 18, following the approval of a new wage order granting an additional P20 to the daily minimum pay.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) said the increase will be released in two phases — P10 will be added to workers’ daily pay upon effectivity of the order, while another P10 will be added after seven months.

RTWPB Chairman Yahya Centi said the adjustment was approved after a series of consultations with workers, employers, and other stakeholders across the region.

Under the new wage order, minimum wage earners in the non-agriculture sector, including sugar mill workers, will receive P325 per day, up from the previous P305.

Workers in retail and service establishments with 11 to 30 employees will also receive P325 daily. Those employed in smaller retail businesses with 10 workers and below, along with workers in cottage and handicraft industries, will receive P295 per day.

Agricultural workers, who remain among the lowest-paid sectors covered by the order, will also receive a minimum daily wage of P295.

Centi said the wage increase was based on the economic conditions and concerns raised during consultations held in different parts of Eastern Visayas, including Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

“We are asking employers to implement the new wage order since this came from a series of consultations conducted in the provinces,” Centi said.

For many workers, the additional pay is expected to help cover daily needs such as food, transportation, and other household expenses. Employers, meanwhile, are expected to comply with the new wage rates once the order takes effect.

The new wage order was published on August 3 and will officially take effect on August 18.

Photo courtesy: RTWPB 8