A new wage order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Commission has begun affecting workers in Central Visayas. The Wage Order No. ROVII-27 sets revised minimum wages for different sectors across the region. The order was released on June 15, 2025, and applies to all private sector employers in the area.
The new rates vary by region and industry, with some areas seeing an increase of up to 12% over the previous minimum wage. In Cebu City, the minimum wage for unskilled workers rose to PHP 500 per day, up from PHP 450. In Lapu-Lapu City, the increase was slightly lower at PHP 480. The order also includes adjustments for skilled and semi-skilled workers, with increases ranging from 8% to 10%.
The wage order was developed through negotiations between the government, employers, and labor unions. It aims to improve living standards and reduce income inequality. However, some small business owners have expressed concerns about the impact on their operations.
This is the third major wage adjustment in Central Visayas this year. Previous changes in January and April led to mixed reactions, with some workers welcoming the increase while others feared it would lead to higher prices. The latest order follows a series of economic reforms aimed at boosting employment and productivity in the region.
