Domestic workers in the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to receive a monthly salary increase of P800 beginning February 7, 2026, following the implementation of a new wage order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR (RTWPB-NCR).
Under Wage Order No. NCR-DW-06, released on January 15, 2026, states that the minimum monthly wage for household workers will increase from P7,000 to P7,800. The adjustment aims to provide better financial support for domestic workers and ensure that their compensation keeps pace with rising living costs in Metro Manila.
Department of Labor and Employment-NCR Director Sarah Buena Mirasol confirmed that the new wage rate will apply to all household workers regardless of whether they are hired directly by employers or through licensed private employment agencies. She emphasized that employers who directly hire domestic workers will be responsible for the salary increase, while employment agencies will be responsible for adjusting the wages of the workers they deploy.
The wage increase is expected to benefit approximately 223,610 domestic workers across NCR. Among them, around 62 percent, or 138,263 workers, are living within their employers’ households under live-in arrangements. The remaining workers are those who work on a live-out basis but still perform regular domestic duties.
Those covered by the wage increase include general house helpers, whether they stay in or live out of their employers’ residences. It also covers cooks, gardeners, laundry personnel, and individuals who regularly perform domestic tasks in a single household as part of their occupation.
However, certain workers are excluded from the coverage of the new wage order. Family drivers, independent service providers, and workers who perform household duties only occasionally or on a sporadic basis are not included under the salary adjustment, in accordance with existing labor regulations.
Labor officials noted that the wage adjustment reflects the government’s continuing effort to protect the welfare of domestic workers, who play a vital role in supporting households and enabling many families to balance work and home responsibilities. Authorities also encourage employers to comply with the new wage order and ensure that domestic workers receive fair compensation and proper working conditions.
The DOLE-NCR assured that it will continue monitoring compliance with the new wage regulation and urged workers and employers to report any concerns or violations to the appropriate labor offices.