In a move that promises to bring financial relief to thousands of workers in the CALABARZON region, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) recently approved a substantial wage increase ranging from ₱35 to ₱50 for minimum wage earners. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officially sanctioned the wage order on September 5, and it is set to take effect 15 days after its publication, which will occur tomorrow, September 8, making the new rates effective on September 24.
The wage hike will significantly impact various sectors within the CALABARZON region, enhancing the lives of workers who have long awaited such a boost. Here’s a breakdown of the new minimum wage rates:
Previously standing at ₱385 per day, the daily minimum wage for workers in the non-agricultural sector will increase to ₱520. This substantial raise aims to provide a more equitable income for those toiling in industries outside of agriculture.
For workers engaged in the agricultural sector, the minimum daily wage will rise from ₱385 to ₱479. This adjustment acknowledges the contribution of those working in farming and related activities, aligning their earnings more closely with the rising cost of living.
Employees of retail and service establishments with 10 or fewer employees will see their minimum wage remain at ₱385 per day. This rate adjustment aims to strike a balance between supporting small businesses while ensuring fair wages for their workers.
In a significant development, the DOLE also highlighted that workers in the agriculture sector in the municipalities of Calaca and Carmona would receive an additional ₱89 increase in their daily wages. This boost is due to the reclassification of these municipalities from first-class to component cities, a change brought about by Republic Act Nos. 11544 and 11938.
Overall, it is estimated that over 700,000 minimum wage earners in Region 4 will benefit from this wage increase, providing them with much-needed financial relief. Additionally, approximately 1.6 million full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage may also benefit from this adjustment as it sets a new wage standard within the region.
This wage increase is a testament to the commitment of the RTWPB and DOLE to ensure that workers are compensated fairly for their hard work, and it reflects a continued effort to address the challenges posed by the rising cost of living. It is a positive step toward improving the quality of life for many families in the CALABARZON region and fostering economic stability.
