The Philippines Minimum Wage 2026 differs by region to account for the varying economic conditions and living expenses in each locality. Unlike numerous other nations, the Philippines lacks a national minimum wage. Rather, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) periodically assess and modify these Region Wise Philippines Minimum Wage Rates for 2026.
This framework guarantees that the minimum wage reflects the economic circumstances of each region, offering a fairer method for determining wages. Get more information below about the Philippines Minimum Wage 2026, rates included, eligibility criteria for the wage and many other things.
Philippines Minimum Wage 2026
The Department of Labour and Employment, referred to as DOLE, holds the responsibility of managing the increase in the minimum wage in the Philippines. These alterations primarily serve the interests of minimum wage earners and daily workers across different regional boards.
For many families in the Philippines, the minimum wage is essential as it aids in meeting fundamental expenses such as groceries, education, healthcare, and housing. The updates for the Philippines Minimum Wage 2026 are driven by the rising costs, which are crucial for workers to uphold a reasonable standard of living.
Wage adjustments are implemented on an annual basis to ensure that salaries correspond with the economic landscape. Employees and employers alike can find official updates on the DOLE website at dole.gov.ph. Read below to learn more about the Philippines Minimum Wage 2026.
Minimum Wage Rates In Philippines
| About | Minimum Wage Rates In Philippines |
| Authority | Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum wage earners, daily paid workers. |
| Starting date for Philippines Minimum Wage 2026 | Set according to the region-to-region. |
| Year | 2026 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Category | Philippines Finance |
| Resources | https://dole.gov.ph/ |
Region Wise Philippines Minimum Wage Rates for 2026
Presented below are example wages for various regions/provinces (these will vary by sector/company size):
| Region / Area | Approx Daily Minimum Wage (2026) | Notes / Sector Differences |
| NCR (Metro Manila) | ₱695 (non-agriculture) / ₱658 (agriculture / small firms) | Effective July 2026 |
| Cordillera Administrative Region | ~ ₱470 | From recent wage board orders |
| Region I (Ilocos) | ₱435 – ₱468 | For various sub-sectors |
| Region II (Cagayan Valley) | ₱460 – ₱480 | Non-ag sectors |
| Central Luzon (Region III) | ₱435 – ₱550 | Range because of size/subregion differences |
| CALABARZON (Region IV-A) | ₱425 – ₱560 | Includes variations based on enterprise size |
| Western Visayas (Region VI) | ₱480 – ₱513 | Estimate for industrial/non-ag settings |
| Central Visayas (Region VII) | ₱453 – ₱501 | Non-ag sectors |
| Caraga Region | ~ ₱435 | One of the lower regional minimums |
Importance of the Minimum Wage in 2026
In 2026, the Philippines is experiencing inflation, food price increases, and transportation expenses, necessitating the serious consideration of minimum wage increases.
- For workers – Wage increases benefit workers’ families, meet basic needs day-to-day.
- For businesses, an increase in wages increases the costs of labour, and could also lead to increased productivity and consumer spending.
- For the economy, an increase in minimum wage could help stimulate demand and spending; however, it could also create pressure on small businesses.
- After the most recent wage increase and the proposals for an increase of ₱200 across the board nationwide to stimulate jobs in the economy, the debate is even more intensified.
FACT CHECK
The ₱200 across-the-board wage increase might provide much-needed relief for workers, but it could also raise concerns for businesses about whether they can afford it, and how this will affect job security. This debate revolves around a fine line between ensuring the welfare of workers, while also ensuring the sustainability and viability of business to support the growth of SMEs.
Frequently Asked Questions On Philippines Minimum Wage 2026
Is there a national minimum wage?
No. In the Philippines, wages are set regionally, so the rates differ by region, sector, and company size.
What is the lowest minimum wage in the Philippines for 2026?
The lowest minimum wage found in BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region) is between ₱306 and ₱341, depending on the sector.
How does the minimum wage in the Philippines compare to other ASEAN countries?
In Metro Manila, the minimum wage is comparable to that in Thailand and Indonesia but is much lower than the minimum wage in Malaysia. In contrast, workers in low-wage regions tend to earn significantly less.
Will the ₱200 nationwide wage increase be in effect come 2026?
As of January 2026, the proposed House Bill 11376 has not yet been put forward in Congress, which has an impact on potentially significant changes to the wage structure.
