If you are searching for the DOLE minimum wage 2026, the most important thing to know is that the Philippines does not have one single nationwide minimum wage.
Minimum wage rates are determined by regional wage orders. The applicable rate can vary depending on the worker’s region, sector, establishment size, location, and applicable wage order. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), an agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), publishes the current regional minimum wage rates and wage orders.
As of August 2026, several regions have implemented new wage increases, while some regions have additional wage increases scheduled later in 2026 or in 2027.
This guide explains the latest DOLE minimum wage rates for 2026, including NCR, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, BARMM, regional wage orders, domestic-worker rates, and how to determine which minimum wage applies to you.
What Is the DOLE Minimum Wage in 2026?
There is no single DOLE minimum wage for all workers in the Philippines.
Instead, minimum wages are established through Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs). These boards determine wage rates based on regional economic and social conditions and other factors prescribed by Philippine wage legislation.
The NWPC’s current wage database shows substantial differences among regions. For example:
- NCR: ₱718–₱755 per day under the current tranche of NCR-27
- CAR: ₱505 per day
- Region I: ₱480–₱505 per day
- Region III: ₱515–₱600 per day
- Region VI: ₱520–₱550 per day
- Region X: ₱485–₱500 per day
- Region XI: ₱515–₱525 per day until the September 2026 tranche
- BARMM: ₱401–₱436 per day under the August 2026 tranche
These figures demonstrate why workers and employers should check the wage order applicable to their particular region rather than relying on a single national figure.
DOLE Minimum Wage Rates by Region in 2026
The following table summarizes the current private-sector minimum wage rates reported by the NWPC.
| Region | Current 2026 Minimum Wage | Latest/Applicable Wage Order | Current or Next Effectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCR | ₱718–₱755 | NCR-27 | July 25, 2026 |
| CAR | ₱505 | CAR-24 | December 30, 2025 |
| Region I – Ilocos | ₱480–₱505 | RB1-24 | November 19, 2025 |
| Region II – Cagayan Valley | ₱500 | RTWPB 2-24 | November 5, 2025 |
| Region III – Central Luzon | ₱515–₱600 | RBIII-26 | April 16, 2026 |
| Region IV-A – CALABARZON | ₱508–₱600* | IVA-22 | April 1, 2026 |
| Region IV-B – MIMAROPA | ₱455 | RB-MIMAROPA-13 | January 1, 2026 |
| Region V – Bicol | ₱455 | RBV-23 | April 8, 2026 |
| Region VI – Western Visayas | ₱520–₱550 | RBVI-29 | November 19, 2025 |
| Region VII – Central Visayas | ₱500–₱540 | ROVII-26 | October 4, 2025 |
| Region VIII – Eastern Visayas | ₱440–₱470 | VIII-25 | June 1, 2026 |
| Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula | ₱451–₱464 | RIX-24 | June 1, 2026 |
| Region X – Northern Mindanao | ₱485–₱500 | RX-24 | May 1, 2026 |
| Region XI – Davao | ₱515–₱525 | RB XI-24 | March 13, 2026 |
| Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN | ₱443–₱460 | RXII-25 | December 15, 2025 |
| Region XIII – Caraga | ₱475 | RXIII-20 | May 1, 2026 |
| BARMM | ₱401–₱436 | BARMM-05 | August 6, 2026 |
*Region IV-A has different rates depending on municipality classification, establishment size, and sector.
The table should be treated as a quick reference, not a substitute for checking the detailed wage matrix for a specific location and type of establishment.
NCR Minimum Wage 2026
The National Capital Region (NCR) received one of the most significant wage adjustments in 2026.
Under Wage Order No. NCR-27, the first tranche took effect on July 25, 2026.
The current rates are:
- Non-agriculture: ₱755 per day
- Agriculture: ₱718 per day
- Service and retail establishments employing 15 workers or fewer: ₱718 per day
- Manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers: ₱718 per day
A second ₱25 increase is scheduled for January 20, 2027. This will bring the rates to ₱780 for non-agriculture and ₱743 for the lower-rate categories.
The full increase under NCR-27 is ₱85 per day.
NCR Minimum Wage 2026 Table
| Category | Before NCR-27 | July 25, 2026 | January 20, 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-agriculture | ₱695 | ₱755 | ₱780 |
| Agriculture | ₱658 | ₱718 | ₱743 |
| Small service/retail establishments | ₱658 | ₱718 | ₱743 |
| Small manufacturing establishments | ₱658 | ₱718 | ₱743 |
NCR-27 covers Metro Manila’s cities and the municipality of Pateros.
CAR Minimum Wage 2026
The Cordillera Administrative Region currently has a minimum wage rate of ₱505 per day under Wage Order No. CAR-24.
The wage order became effective on December 30, 2025 and covers Baguio City and the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.
Region I Minimum Wage 2026
In the Ilocos Region, the applicable minimum wage ranges from ₱480 to ₱505 per day.
Under Wage Order No. RB1-24:
- Non-agriculture establishments with 10 or more employees: ₱505
- Non-agriculture establishments with fewer than 10 employees: ₱480
- Agriculture: ₱480
The wage order took effect on November 19, 2025.
Region II Minimum Wage 2026
Cagayan Valley has a ₱500 per-day minimum wage for non-agriculture workers under Wage Order No. RTWPB 2-24.
The wage order also established a separate agricultural rate, with the increase bringing the agricultural minimum to ₱500 according to the NWPC’s regional wage information.
The region includes Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batanes, and the cities listed by the RTWPB-II wage order.
Region III Minimum Wage 2026
Central Luzon has different minimum wage rates depending on province and sector.
Following the second tranche that took effect on April 16, 2026, the regional rates range from ₱515 to ₱600 per day.
For the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, for example, the non-agriculture rate reaches ₱600 per day after full implementation.
Aurora has different rates, with non-agriculture reaching ₱560, agriculture ₱545, and retail/service ₱515 after the second tranche.
Region IV-A CALABARZON Minimum Wage 2026
CALABARZON has a more complex wage structure because the rate varies by municipality classification and establishment type.
Under Wage Order No. IVA-22, rates can reach ₱600 per day in covered areas.
The NWPC also lists specific rates effective April 1, 2026 for reclassified first-class municipalities, second- to fifth-class municipalities, and smaller retail/service establishments.
Therefore, employees in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, or Quezon should check the detailed wage matrix rather than assuming that the highest CALABARZON rate applies to every worker.
Region IV-B MIMAROPA Minimum Wage 2026
MIMAROPA currently has a ₱455 per-day minimum wage under Wage Order No. RB-MIMAROPA-13.
The order took effect on January 1, 2026 and covers Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Calapan City, and Puerto Princesa.
Region V Bicol Minimum Wage 2026
Bicol’s new Wage Order No. RBV-23 introduced a two-stage wage increase.
The first tranche took effect on April 8, 2026, raising the daily minimum wage from ₱435 to ₱455.
A second increase of ₱25 is scheduled for December 1, 2026, which will bring the rate to ₱480 per day.
This means workers in Bicol should distinguish between the current ₱455 rate and the future ₱480 rate scheduled for December 2026.
Region VI Western Visayas Minimum Wage 2026
Western Visayas currently has minimum wage rates ranging from ₱520 to ₱550 per day.
Under Wage Order No. RBVI-29:
- Non-agriculture/industrial/commercial establishments with more than 10 workers: ₱550
- Non-agriculture/industrial/commercial establishments with 10 workers or fewer: ₱525
- Agriculture: ₱520
The order took effect on November 19, 2025.
Region VII Central Visayas Minimum Wage 2026
Central Visayas has minimum wage rates ranging from ₱500 to ₱540 per day under Wage Order No. ROVII-26.
The exact rate depends on the covered area and establishment classification. The wage order took effect on October 4, 2025.
Region VIII Eastern Visayas Minimum Wage 2026
Eastern Visayas implemented the second tranche of its wage increase on June 1, 2026.
Current rates range from:
- ₱470 per day for non-agriculture
- ₱440 per day for covered smaller service/retail, cottage and handicraft, and agriculture categories
The increase was implemented under Wage Order No. VIII-25.
Region IX Zamboanga Peninsula Minimum Wage 2026
Zamboanga Peninsula’s Wage Order No. RIX-24 was implemented in two stages.
As of June 1, 2026:
- Non-agriculture: ₱464 per day
- Agriculture and specified smaller retail/service establishments: ₱451 per day
The wage order provides a total ₱50 daily increase from the previous rates.
Region X Northern Mindanao Minimum Wage 2026
Northern Mindanao implemented a ₱39 total daily wage increase under Wage Order No. RX-24.
After the second tranche effective May 1, 2026:
- Wage Category I: ₱500 per day
- Wage Category II: ₱485 per day
Category I covers specified cities and municipalities, while Category II covers other areas.
Region XI Davao Minimum Wage 2026
Davao Region implemented Wage Order No. RB XI-24 beginning March 13, 2026.
The first tranche established:
- Non-agriculture: ₱525 per day
- Agriculture: ₱515 per day
A second tranche is scheduled for September 1, 2026, bringing the rates to:
- Non-agriculture: ₱540
- Agriculture: ₱525
The full increase is ₱30 for non-agriculture and ₱20 for agriculture.
Region XII SOCCSKSARGEN Minimum Wage 2026
Region XII currently has rates ranging from ₱443 to ₱460 per day.
Under Wage Order No. RXII-25:
- Non-agriculture/retail/service: ₱460
- Agriculture: ₱443
The second tranche took effect on December 15, 2025.
Region XIII Caraga Minimum Wage 2026
Caraga implemented Wage Order No. RXIII-20 in two stages.
The rate increased from ₱435 to ₱455 upon effectivity on January 3, 2026 and increased again to ₱475 on May 1, 2026.
The current private-sector minimum wage is therefore ₱475 per day.
BARMM Minimum Wage 2026
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao implemented a new wage order on August 6, 2026.
Under Wage Order No. BARMM-05, the current first-tranche rates range from ₱401 to ₱436 per day.
A second tranche is scheduled for December 1, 2026, which will raise the rates to approximately ₱426–₱461 per day, depending on the covered area and sector.
This is one of the newest minimum-wage changes in the Philippines during 2026.
Is There a National Minimum Wage in the Philippines?
No.
The Philippines uses a regional wage-setting system rather than one uniform national minimum wage.
This means an employee in Metro Manila can have a different legal minimum wage from an employee doing comparable work in another region.
The regional system exists because wage-setting considers differences in economic conditions, cost of living, employment conditions, industry capacity, productivity, and other socioeconomic factors.
The NWPC and regional wage boards review minimum wage levels using criteria established under Philippine wage law.
Who Sets the Minimum Wage in the Philippines?
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) determine minimum wage rates in their respective regions.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) coordinates and oversees the regional wage-setting framework under DOLE.
The process involves representatives of:
- Workers
- Employers
- Government
Regional wage boards may conduct public hearings, consultations, surveys, and socioeconomic assessments before issuing a wage order.
For example, the Bicol wage increase followed consultations and public hearings and considered factors including inflation, cost of living, and employers’ capacity to pay.
How Are Minimum Wage Increases Determined?
Minimum wage increases are not simply based on a single formula.
Regional wage boards consider several factors, including:
- Needs of workers and their families
- Cost of living
- Inflation
- Capacity of employers and industries to pay
- Productivity
- Employment levels
- Regional economic conditions
- Requirements of economic and social development
The NWPC has stated that the wage determination process is conducted under the framework of Republic Act No. 6727, commonly known as the Wage Rationalization Act.
The 2026 wage-review cycle also takes into account changing socioeconomic conditions and price pressures affecting workers and businesses.
What Is a Wage Order?
A wage order is the official regional issuance that establishes or adjusts minimum wage rates for covered workers.
A wage order normally identifies:
- The covered geographical area
- Covered sectors or industries
- Minimum wage rates
- Effective dates
- Tranches, if applicable
- Applicable exemptions or special provisions
For this reason, checking the latest wage order is more reliable than relying on an old salary article, social media post, or outdated wage table.
What Does “Two Tranches” Mean?
Some wage increases are implemented in stages rather than all at once.
For example, NCR-27 provides a ₱60 increase beginning July 25, 2026 and another ₱25 increase scheduled for January 20, 2027.
Similarly, Bicol’s Wage Order No. RBV-23 provides ₱20 upon effectivity and another ₱25 on December 1, 2026.
Therefore, when reading a wage order, it is important to distinguish between:
Current rate → first tranche → second tranche → fully implemented rate
A website that lists only the eventual rate may incorrectly suggest that the full increase is already in effect.
DOLE Minimum Wage for Domestic Workers in 2026
Domestic workers, commonly referred to as kasambahays, are covered by separate wage orders.
Their minimum wage is generally expressed as a monthly rate, rather than the daily rates commonly used for private-sector workers.
For example:
- NCR: ₱7,800 per month
- CAR: ₱6,600
- Region I: ₱6,700
- Region II: ₱6,500
- Region III: ₱6,500
- Region IV-B: ₱7,000
- Region VI: ₱6,500
- Region VIII: ₱5,800–₱6,400
- Region X: ₱6,500
- Region XI: ₱6,500
- Region XII: ₱6,000
- Region XIII: ₱6,500
- BARMM: ₱5,500
The exact applicable amount should always be checked against the current domestic-worker wage order for the region.
NCR Domestic Worker Minimum Wage
In NCR, Wage Order No. NCR-DW-06 increased the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers from ₱7,000 to ₱7,800, effective February 7, 2026.
This rate is separate from the ₱718–₱755 daily private-sector wage rates.
Does the Minimum Wage Apply to Every Worker?
Not necessarily.
Coverage can depend on the applicable wage law, wage order, worker classification, establishment, sector, and any lawful exemption or special provision.
Some businesses may also fall under specific rules or exemptions.
For example, the NWPC has noted that certain Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with valid Certificates of Authority may not be covered by the statutory minimum wage requirements under Republic Act No. 9178, subject to the law and applicable requirements.
Because exemptions can be technical, workers and employers should not assume that an exemption applies simply because a business is small.
How to Check Your Correct Minimum Wage
If you want to determine the exact minimum wage that applies to your job, follow these steps.
1. Identify your region
Find the region where your workplace is located.
For example:
- Metro Manila → NCR
- Cebu → Region VII
- Davao → Region XI
- Cagayan de Oro → Region X
- Baguio → CAR
2. Identify your sector
Determine whether you work in:
- Non-agriculture
- Agriculture
- Retail
- Service
- Manufacturing
- Another category specifically identified in the wage order
3. Check your establishment size
Some wage orders distinguish between businesses based on the number of employees.
This is particularly important for certain retail, service, and manufacturing categories.
4. Check the applicable wage order
Find the latest wage order issued by the relevant Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.
5. Check the effectivity date
Do not use a future tranche as the current rate.
For example, Bicol’s ₱480 rate does not become effective until December 1, 2026. Until then, the current rate under the new order is ₱455.
6. Check for special provisions
Some regions have different rates for specific locations, sectors, establishment sizes, or categories of workers.
What Happens If an Employer Pays Less Than the Minimum Wage?
An employer covered by a wage order generally has an obligation to comply with the applicable minimum wage.
If a worker believes they are being paid below the applicable legal minimum, they should first identify the exact wage order and rate applicable to their workplace.
The worker can then seek assistance from the appropriate DOLE regional office or labor authorities.
It is important to distinguish between:
- A genuine minimum-wage violation
- A misunderstanding about the applicable wage category
- A lawful exemption
- A wage rate that has not yet reached its next scheduled tranche
Checking the official wage order before making a complaint can help establish the correct facts.
Is the Minimum Wage the Same as Take-Home Pay?
No.
The minimum wage is not necessarily the same as an employee’s take-home pay.
An employee’s final pay can be affected by lawful deductions and other factors, including mandatory contributions and applicable payroll deductions.
Likewise, benefits such as 13th-month pay should not automatically be treated as part of the basic minimum wage itself.
The minimum wage generally establishes the minimum basic wage that must be paid under the applicable wage order, subject to the relevant legal rules.
Is the DOLE Minimum Wage the Same as a Monthly Salary?
Not exactly.
Many regional wage orders establish a daily minimum wage.
The actual monthly equivalent depends on the employee’s work schedule and the applicable rules for converting daily wages into monthly amounts.
For this reason, multiplying a daily wage by a fixed number such as 30 does not necessarily produce the employee’s legally relevant monthly salary.
Some categories, particularly domestic workers, have separate monthly minimum wage rates.
Why Do Minimum Wage Rates Differ by Region?
The main reason is that the Philippine minimum-wage system is regionally determined.
Economic conditions are not identical throughout the country.
For example, Metro Manila has different labor-market and cost conditions from rural or less-developed areas. Regional wage boards are therefore permitted to determine rates based on local socioeconomic conditions rather than applying one uniform amount nationwide.
The wage-setting process considers worker needs, employer capacity, productivity, inflation, and broader regional economic and social development.
Will There Be More Minimum Wage Increases in 2026?
Some increases are already scheduled.
Examples include:
- Davao Region: second tranche on September 1, 2026
- Bicol Region: second tranche on December 1, 2026
- BARMM: second tranche on December 1, 2026
NCR also has a second tranche scheduled for January 20, 2027.
However, workers should not assume that every region will receive another increase simply because another region has one.
Regional wage boards independently assess wage conditions and may issue new wage orders following their own review processes.
Why You Should Check the Latest Wage Order
Minimum wage information can become outdated quickly.
A wage rate published in early 2025 may no longer be correct in August 2026 because a regional wage board may have:
- Issued a new wage order
- Implemented a second tranche
- Changed rates for a particular sector
- Established different rates for establishment sizes
- Introduced a separate domestic-worker wage order
The official NWPC website maintains the current regional wage information and provides access to the relevant wage orders.
FAQ
What is the lowest minimum wage in the Philippines in 2026?
There is no useful single “lowest national minimum wage” figure because rates differ by region, sector, location, and establishment classification. BARMM’s current Wage Order No. BARMM-05 starts at ₱401 per day for certain covered categories after its August 6, 2026 effectivity.
Is there a national minimum wage in the Philippines?
No. Minimum wages are established regionally through the RTWPBs under the country’s regional wage-setting framework.
How often does DOLE increase the minimum wage?
There is no universal fixed nationwide increase schedule. Regional wage boards review wage conditions and may issue wage orders when warranted under the applicable legal framework.
Where can I find the official 2026 minimum wage rates?
The most authoritative source is the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the relevant Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. The NWPC publishes current regional wage rates and wage orders.
