Region 11 workers get P11 wage hike

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 11 has ordered an P11 wage increase for private sector minimum wage workers in Southern Mindanao effective June 1. 

Wage Order No. RB XI-18, issued last May 7, mandates a P312 daily minimum wage for workers in non-agricultural establishments and retail-service enterprises employing more than 10 workers. 

Agricultural workers, on the other hand, will receive a P302 minimum wage, and those in retail-service establishments employing not more than 10 workers, P281.

The RTWPB-Region 11 issued the order after conducting public hearings in Davao City, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Mati City, Digos City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley. 

The RTWPB-Region 11 cited the need to restore the lost purchasing power of minimum wage earners in the region to cope with the rising cost of living without impairing the productivity and viability of business and industries.

Also integrated in the basic wage is the P15 cost of living allowance (COLA) per day, as stipulated under Wage Order No. RB XI-17.

In addition, effective Dec. 1, all private sector minimum wage earners shall receive a new COLA of P5 per day, according to the order.  

By then, the minimum wage will be P317 for non-agricultural and retail-service establishments employing more than 10 workers; P307 for agricultural companies; and P286 for retail-service establishments employing not more than 10 workers, the order added. 

The RTWPB-Region 11, according to board chairman and labor and employment director Joffrey Suyao, decided to grant the new wage adjustments in line with the full implementation of the two-tiered wage system “to raise the lowest statutory wage rate in the region to a level above the poverty threshold.”

The order, however, does not cover domestic workers under Batas Kasambahay (Republic Act 10361), family drivers, persons employed in the personal service of another, and workers of establishments registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Law (RA 9178).