Good news awaits minimum wage earners in the Ilocos Region as a new wage increase takes effect on November 19, 2025.

Under the newly approved wage order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-1), daily wage earners in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte will receive an additional P37 to P45 in their daily pay.

For many workers, the increase comes as a much-needed relief amid rising prices of goods.

Hidy Agliam, a security guard and one of the beneficiaries, said the adjustment would help support her family.

“Kung tutuusin, Ma’am, gusto ko rin na tumaas konti ‘yung sahod namin para sa pamilya namin kasi tumataas na lahat ng bilihin,” Agliam said.

According to Atty. Romina Boado-Cabrillos, board secretary of RTWPB-1, the new rates depend on the size of the establishment.

“Establishments employing less than 10 should be receiving P480, not less than P480, and those employing eight employees and above they should be receiving P505,” Cabrillos said.

Household helpers, meanwhile, will also benefit from a P700 increase in their monthly wage, raising the new minimum pay to P6,700.

Cabrillos said the wage order underwent several stages of study and consultation before approval.

“On their own instance na i-review na itong mga existing socio-economic conditions ng Region 1. Then after that, we scheduled consultations with our stakeholders,” she said.

“Also, ‘yung economy natin, na nasasabi naman na ito ‘yung kaya ng ating mga establishments. Hanggang dito lang tayo. Because beyond that, magkakaroon na ito ng impact sa ating unemployment, inflation,” she added.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded business owners to comply with the new wage order, warning that violators may face civil and criminal charges.