Manila: Minimum wage earners and domestic workers, known as 'kasambahay,' in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are set to receive a salary increase next month following new Wage Orders issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced the development on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the wage adjustment under Wage Order No. RB XII-25 will see an increase ranging from PHP30 to PHP33 for minimum wage earners. For domestic workers, the monthly pay will increase between PHP1,000 and PHP1,500. The approved daily minimum wage for the non-agriculture and retail and service sectors will rise by PHP30, bringing the minimum wage in these sectors to PHP460 per day, equivalent to PHP11,998.00 per month. In the agriculture sector, a PHP33 increase will set the daily minimum wage rate at PHP443, or PHP11,555.00 per month.

The wage increase will benefit approximately 21,000 minimum wage earners in Soccsksargen. Meanwhile, Wage Order No. RB XII-DW-05 will raise the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers to PHP6,000. This adjustment will impact 26,688 domestic workers, with 11,646 of them on live-in arrangements.

Both wage orders are scheduled to take effect on November 2, following their publication on October 17. However, retail and service establishments employing no more than 10 workers and businesses impacted by natural or human-induced disasters may apply for an exemption from the wage increase. Additionally, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises with valid Certificates of Authority from the Department of Trade and Industry are exempt from the minimum wage law.

The new wage orders are part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directive for a timely and regular review of regional minimum wage rates, aimed at reducing uncertainty, enhancing fairness, and strengthening the connection between productivity and wages.