Central luzon: The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-3 has approved a wage increase for daily minimum wage earners in Central Luzon, as announced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The wage adjustment, which ranges from PHP50 to PHP80, also includes a PHP500 increase for domestic workers, commonly referred to as "kasambahay."

According to Philippines News Agency, the RTWPB-3 implemented Wage Order No. Regional Board III-26, which stipulates that non-agriculture workers will receive the increase in two phases. The initial PHP20 increase will take effect on October 30, and an additional PHP20 will be applied on April 16, 2026, bringing the minimum wage to PHP600. Similarly, agriculture sector workers will receive a PHP20 increase initially, followed by a PHP30 increase in April 2026, setting their minimum wage at PHP570.

Retail and service industry employees will see a PHP20 increase in the first tranche and an additional PHP50 in the second tranche, resulting in a daily wage of PHP590. These changes will impact workers in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. The current wages in these regions are PHP550 for non-agricultural workers, PHP520 for agricultural workers, and PHP540 for retail/service workers.

In Aurora province, non-agricultural workers will receive a total wage increase of PHP60, with the first PHP20 tranche effective October 30 and the second PHP20 tranche on April 16, 2026, bringing their minimum wage to PHP560. Agricultural workers will benefit from an additional PHP30 on October 30 and another PHP30 in April 2026, raising their daily wage to PHP545. Retail and service workers will see their wages increase to PHP515 after two PHP40 increments.

Currently, non-agricultural workers in Aurora earn PHP500, agricultural workers earn PHP485, and retail/service workers earn PHP435. Meanwhile, domestic workers will experience a PHP500 salary increase through RBIII-DW-05, raising their monthly earnings to PHP6,500. This adjustment applies to all domestic workers, including general househelp, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry persons, who work regularly in a household setting. However, service providers, family drivers, and those working occasionally or sporadically are excluded from this wage increase.

Both wage orders were approved on September 16.