MINIMUM wage earners in the private sector across in Region 12 or Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) receive a P30 to P33 daily pay increase starting November 2.
In its latest order, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) XII said the adjustment followed consultations and a review of the region’s prevailing socio-economic conditions.
‘Whereas, as a result of the review made on the prevailing socio-economic conditions of the Region, as well as the results of the consultations and public hearing and deliberations conducted, the Board has determined the need to increase the prevailing minimum wage rates for workers in private establishments without impairing the viability of business and industry,’ the order stated.
Under Wage Order RB XII-25, the daily minimum wage for non-agriculture, retail, and service workers will rise from P430 to P460, while agricultural workers will see their pay increase from P410 to P443.
The increase will be implemented in two tranches: the first on November 2 and the second on December 15.
According to RTWPB XII, the new wage rates will benefit at least 5 percent of the region’s total employed workers in the private sector.
The wage board also approved a P1,000 to P1,500 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers (kasambahays), standardizing their pay at P6,000 across all municipalities in the region regardless of classification starting November 2. The new rate applies to all household workers, whether living in or outside their employers’ homes, including househelp, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers.
Both wage orders cover workers in the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, and Tacurong, as well as in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato, excluding the 63 barangays now under the Bangsamoro region.