Workers across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to receive a total P50 increase in their daily wages this year after the Bangsamoro Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved Wage Order BARMM No. 06.
The wage adjustment will be implemented in two tranches: a P25 increase upon the order's effectivity and another P25 beginning December 1. The wage order takes effect two weeks after its publication in a newspaper of regional circulation.
Regional Labor and Employment Minister Muslimin Sema and members of the RTWPB signed the order on July 15 following consultations with representatives from both the labor and employer sectors.
Higher Daily Pay Across the Region
The wage increase covers workers in both the region's cities and provinces, with varying rates depending on sector and location.
In the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan, non-agriculture workers currently earning P411 a day will receive P436 after the first tranche and P461 starting December. Agriculture workers, along with employees of retail and service establishments currently earning P386 daily, will see their wages increase to P436 by year-end.
In the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi, non-agriculture and retail workers receiving P386 daily will also earn P436 beginning December. Agriculture workers in these provinces will receive a total P50 increase, raising their daily wage from P376 to P426.
Government Urges Compliance
Sema said the new wage order reflects the outcome of extensive discussions among government, labor, and business representatives to ensure a balanced and fair wage adjustment for workers across the region.
He also assured workers that the Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM is prepared to act on complaints against employers who fail to implement the new wage rates once the order takes effect.
The ministry oversees labor concerns in BARMM, which covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan.
