Legazpi city: Private sector workers, management representatives, and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 5 (Bicol) held a public hearing on a possible minimum wage adjustment at the Concourse Convention Center here on Tuesday. In an interview, Department of Labor and Employment 5 Director Imelda Gatinao said the public hearing for Albay province is the last among the six provinces before wage deliberations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the deliberations are scheduled for March 3, where data compiled from the consultations will be reviewed. The RTWPB is still in the process of listening to the concerns of both labor and management sectors. Director Gatinao emphasized the importance of reaching a fair and balanced wage increase, noting the participation of 75 representatives from the labor sector and 139 from the management sector.

The main issues highlighted during the hearing were the need for wages that ensure a dignified way of living and the management's concerns about maintaining business stability. Gatinao expressed the board's commitment to making a fair decision, as both workers and management sectors are integral parts of the board.

Currently, the Bicol region has 101,868 minimum-wage earners and 50,613 establishments. The prevailing daily minimum wage in the area stands at PHP435.