Starting January 12, 2025, the daily minimum wage in Northern Mindanao has risen by P23 for both private non-agricultural and agricultural workers. By July 1, 2025, agricultural workers will see an additional P12 increase, bringing their total wage increase to P35, making the minimum daily wage P461 for both sectors. This wage adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to address the rising cost of living and ensure workers are fairly compensated for their labor. The increase comes after a series of consultations and public hearings held by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Region 10, where both workers' and employers' sectors contributed to the decision-making process. The wage hike will significantly benefit workers in major cities and municipalities within the region, helping them meet the basic needs required for a decent standard of living. With the new rates, the government aims to alleviate the financial pressures faced by workers, providing them with greater economic stability moving forward. The new wage structure means that by mid-2025, the minimum wages in Wage Category 1 and Category 2 will be the same: P461 for Wage Category 1, which includes cities like Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Malaybalay, and P446 for Category 2, which covers areas outside Wage Category 1, as well as small retail and service establishments.
This wage adjustment, authorized under Wage Order No. RX-23,
followed extensive consultations and public hearings led by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Region 10, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10. Both workers' and employers' sectors participated in the process to ensure fairness. Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, vice chairperson of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-10, explained that the decision took into account the region's poverty threshold, ensuring that the new wages will meet the basic needs of workers. Domestic workers in Region 10 are set to receive a much-needed boost in their monthly wages. As of January 12, 2025, the minimum monthly wage for domestic workers will increase by P1,000, raising the baseline salary from P5,000 to P6,000. This wage adjustment is mandated by Wage Order RBX-DW-05, which applies to a wide range of domestic workers, including house helpers, cooks, nannies, gardeners, laundry personnel, and any other individuals employed to perform domestic work on a regular, occupational basis.
Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao, the regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, confirmed the wage increase, emphasizing that starting from January 12, no domestic worker in Region 10 will earn less than P6,000 per month. This increase is particularly significant for domestic workers, who often face financial challenges despite the crucial role they play in households.
The adjustment in wages for domestic workers is part of a broader effort by the government to improve the living conditions of workers across various sectors. By ensuring fair compensation, authorities aim to provide better support for workers while striving to maintain a balance that considers the financial capacities of employers. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the importance of protecting workers' rights, especially in sectors traditionally underpaid and undervalued.
This move, along with the broader wage hikes across Northern Mindanao, signals the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of the workforce, fostering fair wages, and working to uplift the standard of living for all workers in the region. It also reinforces the government’s objective of enhancing the economic well-being of families dependent on domestic workers, ultimately improving their quality of life.
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