Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) regional wage board has launched public consultations Monday on proposed minimum wage adjustments in MIMAROPA region, as authorities seek to address rising living costs in the country.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) convened 84 stakeholders in Calapan City, including private sector employees, domestic workers, business owners, and government officials, to evaluate current wage rates.

“We need to ensure workers can meet basic needs while maintaining economic stability,” RTWPB said in a statement.

The review covers both private sector and domestic worker minimum wages.

Twenty-six private sector workers, five domestic workers, and 47 management representatives attended the discussions, which examined factors including food costs, housing, transportation, healthcare and education expenses.

MIMAROPA comprises the provinces of Mindoro (Oriental and Occidental), Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.