Minimum Wage · Region III — Central Luzon · Wage Order RBIII-26
Region 3 Minimum Wage 2026
The highest non-agriculture minimum wage in Region 3 is ₱600 a day under Wage Order No. RBIII-26, in force since April 16, 2026, issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – III (RTWPB-III). Also searched as: Central Luzon, Pampanga, Bulacan, Aurora. Verified against nwpc.dole.gov.ph on October 13, 2026.
Source: National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), nwpc.dole.gov.ph · Last updated: October 13, 2026
Aurora has its own, lower rate table
Wage Order RBIII-26 gives Aurora a separate table (₱560 non-agriculture) from the six other provinces (₱600). See the Aurora page for its rates.
Wage Order RBIII-26: rate table
Every band the order defines. Effective October 30, 2025. Issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – III (RTWPB-III). Read Wage Order RBIII-26 on nwpc.dole.gov.ph →
Two tranches: the six provinces paid ₱570 / ₱540 / ₱560 from Oct 30, 2025, rising to the rates below on Apr 16, 2026. Aurora paid ₱530 / ₱515 / ₱475, rising to its rates below on the same date.
Areas covered by Wage Order RBIII-26
Region III — Central Luzon. The rates above apply across these areas; the order sets no separate rate for any single city or province unless a band says so.
- Aurora · province
- Bataan · province
- Bulacan · province
- Nueva Ecija · province
- Pampanga · province
- Tarlac · province
- Zambales · province
- Angeles · city
- San Fernando (Pampanga) · city
- Olongapo · city
- Cabanatuan · city
- Malolos · city
- Balanga · city
- Tarlac City · city
Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Non-agri ₱600 · Non-agri ₱590 · Agri ₱570
Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Aurora
Non-agri ₱560 · Non-agri ₱515 · Agri ₱545
Aurora
Monthly and annual equivalents
Monthly = daily × 26 working days (NWPC's own divisor under Labor Code Article 83). Annual = daily × 313 working days.
The ×26 divisor assumes a 6-day work week with paid regular holidays and an unpaid rest day. Different rest-day arrangements give a different monthly figure.
Wage Order history for Region 3
The previous three orders. A dash means we have not yet verified that figure against the order itself — we do not fill gaps with estimates.
Legal basis
Wage Order RBIII-26 is issued under RA 6727 (Wage Rationalization Act). These Labor Code articles govern how it is set and enforced:
- Labor Code Article 99 — Regional minimum wages — the article that sets up wage fixing by region
- Labor Code Article 124 — The standards a wage board must apply when it issues a Wage Order
- Labor Code Article 97 — Definitions of “wage” and “employer”
- Labor Code Article 98 — Which establishments the wage rules apply to
- Labor Code Article 83 — Normal hours of work — the 8-hour day the daily rate is based on
- Labor Code Article 116 — Withholding of wages and kickbacks prohibited
- Labor Code Article 128 — DOLE’s power to inspect employers and order compliance
If your employer pays below the rate for your sector and establishment size, you can report it to your DOLE regional office. You do not need a lawyer to file a wage complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Region 3 right now?
As of October 13, 2026, the highest non-agriculture daily minimum wage in Region 3 is ₱600 (non-agriculture). It is set by Wage Order No. RBIII-26. Smaller establishments and agriculture may have lower bands, so check the rate table above for yours.
Which Wage Order applies in Region 3?
Wage Order No. RBIII-26, issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – III (RTWPB-III). It is the latest order NWPC lists for Region III — Central Luzon as of October 13, 2026. The full order is linked in the sources section below.
When did the current Region 3 rate take effect?
Wage Order No. RBIII-26 took effect on October 30, 2025. It was issued or approved on September 16, 2025. Earlier orders are listed in the order history above.
Is the agriculture rate different in Region 3?
Yes. Under Wage Order RBIII-26, agriculture is ₱570 / ₱545 per day, against ₱600 for the highest non-agriculture band. See the rate table above for every band.
Which provinces does the Region 3 wage order cover?
Wage Order No. RBIII-26 covers Region III — Central Luzon: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Angeles, San Fernando (Pampanga), Olongapo, Cabanatuan, Malolos, Balanga, Tarlac City. The rates apply to private-sector workers in these areas according to the bands in the rate table.
How do I compute the monthly rate from the daily rate?
Multiply the daily rate by 26, the working-day divisor NWPC itself cites under Labor Code Article 83. At ₱600 a day that is ₱15,600 a month (₱600 × 26). The annual equivalent uses 313 days: ₱187,800. Employers with different rest-day arrangements will compute a different figure.
What do I do if my employer pays below the Region 3 rate?
File a complaint with the DOLE regional office covering your workplace, or ask for a Single Entry Approach (SEnA) conciliation-mediation first. Withholding wages is prohibited under Labor Code Article 116, and DOLE can inspect employers and order compliance under Article 128. You do not need a lawyer to file a wage complaint.
When will the Region 3 rate increase next?
RBIII-26 has no tranche left to take effect. No newer Region III order was listed on NWPC as of the verification date. Watch nwpc.dole.gov.ph for a new petition or hearing.
Compare nearby regions
Sources and update log
Update log
October 13, 2026 — page published. Rates read from Wage Order RBIII-26 and cross-checked against NWPC's regional page. For the rate at the moment you are reading, confirm on nwpc.dole.gov.ph.