Koronadal City – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XII joins the Public Consutaltion on Minimum Wage Determination spearheaded by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) XII. NEDA XII presented the prevailing socio-economic situation of the region during the public consultations. The 4-day consultation was held in the cities of Tacurong, Kidapawan, Koronadal and General Santos on March 28-31, 2022.

The activity provided a venue for the concerned organizations, stakeholders or interest groups to share inputs to determine the necessity and propriety of minimum wage adjustment in the region. The review was based on the principle of “motu propio” because, as of March 28, the Board had not received any petition for a wage increase in the region.

Board Chairperson Raymund G. Agravante expressed his gratitude for the presence of many participants from the private establishments representing the labor and management sectors during the consultations. Board Secretary Jessie M. dela Cruz presented the rationale of the consultations and provided a short briefing on the NWPC’s productivity toolbox while Ms. Kirbie Mae M. Pacinabao of DTI XII presented the price movements of basic commodities in the region.

During the four consultations, both the management and labor sectors expressed their opinions on the possibility of increasing in minimum wage in the region. The management representatives said it is untimely to increase the minimum wages because businesses are still recovering from the effect of Covid-19. On the other hand, some of the labor representatives voiced out that there was enough justification to increase the minimum wages due to the overall rise in the cost of goods and services.

A survey was conducted during the four-day consultation and the results will be collated by the board and presented in the next RTWPB board meeting on April 6, 2022 for a calibrated and well-informed decision-making. (RACSerrano, NEDA XII-PFPD)