Philippines Minimum Wage Increase 2025 – Region-Wise New Rates and Who Will Benefit Most

Various online sources claim the Philippines Minimum Wage Increase 2025 and its somewhat reliable also. For many Filipinos, the minimum wage is not just a number but it’s the figure that helps to pay for food, housing, transport, school, health care and more. With rising prices of basic goods and services, there is constant pressure to increase wages so that workers can keep up.

As of now, the Metro Manila wage board and a few other regional wage boards have already approved increases for 2025, while many regions remain under review.

How Minimum Wages Are Decided in the Philippines

The Philippines does not have a single national minimum wage rate. Instead, wages are determined region by region. Each area has its own Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

These boards consider several key factors before approving a wage adjustment:

• Cost of living in the region
• Inflation rates
• Business capacity to pay higher wages
• Productivity and employment conditions

This is why the minimum wage in Metro Manila differs significantly from those in Mindanao, Visayas, or Northern Luzon.

Philippines Minimum Wage Raise 2025 Overview

• Department: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
• Post Title: Philippines Minimum Wage Increase 2025
• Year: 2025
• Country: Philippines
• Who Can Get?: Minimum wage earners, daily-paid workers
• Effective Date: Varies by region
• Frequency: Once a year (with possible mid-year reviews)
• Category: Finance / Labor
• Official Website: https://dole.gov.ph/

Confirmed Wage Hikes in 2025

Here are the regions where wage boards have already approved increases for 2025:

• National Capital Region (NCR/Metro Manila) – Minimum wage increased by ₱50, now set at ₱658–₱695, effective 18 July 2025. Next review expected in July 2026.
• Bicol Region (Region V) – Approved a ₱40 increase, effective 5 April 2025. New daily minimum wage is ₱435.
• Northern Mindanao (Region X) – Approved a raise of ₱23–₱35, effective 12 January 2025. Current rates are ₱446–₱461.
• Davao Region (Region XI) – Approved a ₱29 increase, effective 7 March 2025. Current rates are ₱505–₱510.
• Caraga Region (Region XIII) – Approved a ₱50 increase, effective 2 January 2025. Current daily wage is ₱435.

Regions Without Increases Yet

Several regions still operate under 2024 wage orders and have not approved increases as of early 2025. These include:

• Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) – ₱470 (last adjustment in December 2024).
• Ilocos Region (Region I) – ₱435–₱468 (last adjustment in November 2024).
• Cagayan Valley (Region II) – ₱460–₱480 (last adjustment in October 2024).
• Central Luzon (Region III) – ₱435–₱550 (last adjustment in October 2024).
• Calabarzon (Region IV-A) – ₱425–₱560 (last adjustment in September 2024).
• Mimaropa (Region IV-B) – ₱404–₱430 (last adjustment in December 2024).
• Western Visayas (Region VI) – ₱480–₱513 (last adjustment in November 2024).
• Central Visayas (Region VII) – ₱453–₱501 (last adjustment in October 2024).
• Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) – ₱405–₱435 (last adjustment in December 2024).
• Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) – ₱401–₱414 (last adjustment in December 2024).
• Soccsksargen (Region XII) – ₱410–₱430 (last adjustment in October 2024).

These regions are expected to review wage rates by September–November 2025.

Why Minimum Wage Hikes Are Crucial

For Filipino workers, minimum wage is not just a salary—it is survival. With rising prices of:

• Rice, vegetables, and basic food staples
• Transportation fares
• School fees and supplies
• Healthcare and medicines

Even small increases, like the ₱29 raise in Davao or the ₱50 in NCR, make a difference. However, labor groups argue that current increases are still insufficient to match inflation.

The Debate on Wage Adequacy

While the government has approved increases in some regions, labor groups continue to push for bigger hikes. They argue that:

• Current rates still fall short of the family living wage.
• Inflation eats away at purchasing power.
• Regional differences sometimes leave workers in rural areas struggling more than those in cities.

Employers, however, often push back, warning that too steep hikes could harm small businesses and reduce employment opportunities.

Expected Next Steps

• More regional wage boards are expected to announce adjustments between September and December 2025.
• NCR’s new rates will remain until July 2026 unless extraordinary circumstances force an earlier review.
• DOLE will continue monitoring inflation, productivity, and employment data to guide decisions.

FAQs on Philippines Minimum Wage Increase 2025

1. What is the new minimum wage in Metro Manila for 2025?
The NCR minimum wage is now ₱658–₱695, with a ₱50 increase effective 18 July 2025.

2. Which regions have confirmed increases this year?
Confirmed increases are in NCR, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga.

3. Why do minimum wages vary across regions?
Each region has its own Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), which sets rates based on cost of living, inflation, and economic conditions.

4. When will other regions announce new rates?
Most pending regions are expected to review and possibly raise wages by September–November 2025.

5. Where can workers check official wage updates?
Workers should visit the DOLE official website (dole.gov.ph) or follow announcements from their regional wage boards.