Private-sector workers and domestic helpers in Western Visayas could soon receive higher wages following the approval of a new minimum wage order by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-6).
The wage adjustment, which remains subject to the approval of the labor secretary, will grant daily increases of P40 to P45 to eligible private-sector workers across Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
RTWPB-6 Chair Sixto Rodriguez Jr. announced the development on Saturday, saying the approved rates are expected to take effect by November if the labor secretary gives the go-ahead.
Agricultural Workers to Receive P45 Daily Increase
Under Wage Order No. 30, agricultural workers will receive a P45 increase in their daily minimum wage, raising their rate from P520 to P565.
The adjustment will provide additional daily earnings for agricultural workers, whose income supports their basic needs and those of their families.
Non-Agricultural Workers to Get Higher Daily Rates
Non-agricultural workers will receive a P40 daily wage increase, with the new minimum rates determined by the size of their employers.
Employees working in non-agricultural establishments with more than 10 workers will see their daily minimum wage rise from P550 to P590.
Meanwhile, those employed by establishments with 10 or fewer workers will receive an increase from P525 to P565 per day.
The new rates aim to provide additional earnings to workers across different business categories, subject to the wage order's implementation.
Kasambahays to Receive P500 Monthly Increase
Domestic workers, commonly known as kasambahays, will also benefit from the approved wage adjustment.
Their monthly minimum wage will increase by P500, from P6,500 to P7,000.
The adjustment covers domestic workers who provide household services, including cleaning, cooking, and other daily tasks.
While the wage board has approved the new rates, workers will have to wait for the labor secretary's approval before the changes can take effect. Rodriguez said implementation is expected by November, provided the order receives final approval.
