Marcos: Wage hike in Northern Mindanao, Caraga effective May 1, 2026

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that minimum wage earners in Northern Mindanao and Caraga will receive higher pay beginning Friday, May 1, 2026, which coincides with Labor Day. 

In a Labor Day event in General Santos City, Marcos said that through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, 89 wage orders were approved from June 2023 to April 2026.

“Kabilang dito ang wage hikes na epektibo ngayong araw, tulad ng sa Region 10 at sa Region 13,” the President said. 

(This includes the wage hikes that are effective today, like in Region 10 and Region 13.) 

“Ang arawang sahod ng manggagawa sa lugar na ito ay tumaas na sa P500 at P475,” he added. 

(The daily wage of workers in these areas have increased to P500 and P475, respectively.) 

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the new daily minimum wage in Northern Mindanao now ranges from P485 to P500, following the implementation of the second tranche of wage increase amounting to P14.

The first tranche, which took effect on January 16, 2026, raised minimum wages by P25—ranging from P471 to P486. 

In Caraga, the daily minimum wage increased to P475, following the effectivity of the second tranche amounting to P20.

On January 3, 2026, the first tranche, also amounting to P20, set the minimum wage at P455.

In Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula, the DOLE said that the second tranche of wage hikes amounting to P18 and P25 respectively, will take effect on June 1.

The Bicol Region and Davao Region are also set to receive the second tranche of their wage adjustments later this year. — RSJ, GMA News