The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is conducting the 2018 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) and 2017/2018 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE). Regular employees of PSA and hired statistical researchers will conduct the distribution of questionnaires starting 17 September 2018 to the sample establishments.

The 2018 OWS is a nationwide establishment-based survey that aims to monitor the wage rates of 22 low paid occupations in 21 non-agricultural industries. Its objective was to generate wage estimate in aid to minimum wage determination.

The 2017/2018 ISLE, formerly BLES Integrated Survey (BITS), is a nationwide survey of establishments employing at least 20 workers. This survey consists of three modules on employment, conditions of work and industrial relations. It aims to provide inputs to studies on industry trends and practices, and bases for the formulation of labor policies. 

The said surveys cover 308 establishments across the region in both agricultural and non-agricultural industries with at least 20 workers. All survey questionnaires distributed to these sample establishments will be collected starting on 01 October 2018. 

The data collected under the 2018 OWS and 2017/2018 ISLE is covered by the confidentiality of information clause under Section 26 of RA 10625 which stipulates that individual data furnished by a respondent to statistical inquiries, surveys and censuses of PSA shall be considered privileged information and such shall be inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding. The PSA releases data gathered in the form of summaries of statistical tables, in which no reference to individual, corporation, association, partnership, institution or business enterprise shall appear.

Like with other statistical surveys of PSA, the successful conduct of the 2018 OWS and 2017/2018 ISLE will be attributed to the cooperation and support of the sample establishments as well as the local government units and other stakeholders.