City of Manila — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino confirmed scheduled wage adjustments and outlined priority measures to boost employment, particularly for youth and emerging industries, during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum at the Champagne Salon on July 22, 2026.

Hosted by former Senator Atty. Joey Lina and former Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, the regular media roundtable featured the labor chief as the keynote guest.

Phased Minimum Wage Increases

Secretary Tolentino announced that a Php 60 minimum wage increase will take effect this July 25, 2026, followed by an additional Php 25 adjustment in January 2027, bringing the total increase to Php 85.

He emphasized that wage adjustments will not be uniform nationwide: “What applies in the National Capital Region (NCR) will not automatically apply to other regions, as adjustments remain aligned with regional economic conditions and capacity.”

To ease the impact on businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Tolentino noted the Adjustment Measure Program (AMP) will be operationalized. “Through AMP, employers may utilize additional capital allocations to fund these wage increases, helping ensure compliance without disrupting operations,” he explained.

Infrastructure, Investments to Support New Jobs

The DOLE chief also highlighted infrastructure requirements to support emerging high-growth sectors, particularly the microchip industry. He noted that ongoing economic discussions — including those involving United States Secretary Rubio — are focused on unlocking forward-looking job opportunities.

“We aim to integrate youth workforce development with the proposed 1,600-hectare development zone. But right now, the most critical prerequisite is putting basic utilities in place: reliable electricity and water supply,” Tolentino stated.