NCR Minimum Wage Workers to Get ₱50 Daily Increase Starting July 18, 2025
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) just announced that around 1.2 million minimum wage workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) will get a raise starting July 18, 2025. This was approved unanimously by the NCR Regional Wage Board and is the biggest wage hike ever granted in the region. Read now on JeonSoft web blogs!
Last updated July 1, 2025 by Sharlyn Lao
About 1.2 million workers in Metro Manila (NCR) will receive a ₱50 increase in their daily minimum wage starting July 18, 2025. This is the highest wage hike ever approved by the NCR wage board.
Understanding the Basics: What is Minimum Wage
Minimum wage is the lowest legal hourly or monthly wage that an employer is required to pay to their employees. It serves as a protective measure, intended to establish a base level of income that enables workers to meet their basic needs. Minimum wage laws are generally enforced by the government and, in some cases, adjusted periodically to account for inflation and changing economic conditions.
To know more about Minimum Wage, you may read it in our other blog Minimum Wages in Metro Manila 2024
What’s the New Minimum Wage?
If you’re working in Metro Manila, a ₱50 increase in your daily pay is coming your way. This means workers could see an extra ₱1,100 to ₱1,300 monthly, depending on if they work 5 or 6 days a week. Monthly take-home pay (including benefits) could reach ₱15,247 to ₱18,216.
Below is a table to help enhance your understanding:
| Sector/Industry | Current Minimum Wage Rates | New Wage Increase | New Minimum Wage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Agriculture | PHP 645.00 | PHP 50.00 | PHP 695.00 |
| Agriculture, retail, and small manufacturing workers (those with 15 or fewer employees) | PHP 608.00 | PHP 50.00 | PHP 658.00 |
Note
This table only shows rates for the year 2025Implementation and Impact
The wage board considered the improving economy and low inflation in NCR. The move is part of President Marcos Jr.’s push for regular and fair wage reviews. The following lists the key things that were considered in the decision for increase:
- The economy grew 5.4% early this year
- Inflation in NCR dropped to 1.7% (as of May 2025)
- The unemployment rate is at 5.1%
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma explained that the goal is to strike a balance: help workers earn enough, while keeping businesses healthy and encouraging productivity.
While the increase is official and mandatory for most private sector workers in NCR, some groups are exempt from the new wage hike:
- Small businesses (with 10 or fewer workers) and those affected by calamities can apply for an exemption.
- Registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) are not required to follow the new wage.
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