MANILA – Private sector workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) have received a cumulative PHP125 increase in daily minimum wages from 2023 to 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said, coinciding with Labor Day.

In a news release, DOLE said the total adjustments under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reflect successive wage orders issued over the period.

The most recent increase of PHP50 took effect on July 18, 2025, raising the NCR minimum wage to PHP695 per day.

DOLE said the next round of wage review is expected to begin by May 2026, or within 60 days before the anniversary of the latest NCR wage order.

Across other regions, minimum wage adjustments ranged from PHP80 to PHP140. The department said 16 wage orders covering private sector workers nationwide were implemented for the 2025–2026 cycle, benefiting about 4.69 million minimum wage earners.

The agency also noted that workers in Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao) and 13 (Caraga) will receive additional pay starting May 1, following the implementation of second tranche wage increases.

In Northern Mindanao, the PHP14 increase brings the daily minimum wage to PHP485–PHP500. The first tranche of PHP25 took effect on Jan. 16, which earlier raised wages to PHP471–PHP486.

In Caraga, the second tranche increase of PHP20 raises the daily minimum wage to PHP475. The first tranche of PHP20 was implemented on Jan. 3, setting wages at PHP455.

DOLE said second tranche increases are also scheduled in Regions 8 (Eastern Visayas) and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), amounting to PHP18 and PHP25, respectively, with effectivity set for June 1.

Regions 5 (Bicol) and 11 (Davao) are likewise set to implement their next wage adjustments later this year.

The department said that, following the directive of President Marcos, the National Wages and Productivity Commission continues to conduct regular wage reviews to align pay levels with economic conditions and productivity trends.

DOLE added that it remains committed to protecting vulnerable workers by setting minimum wage rates based on prevailing socioeconomic conditions.