Soccsksargen workers get P5 minimum wage hike

MANILA, Philippines - Workers in the Soccsksargen region are getting a much-awaited salary hike, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

The regional wage board has issued a new wage order granting a P5 increase in the daily take-home pay of minimum wage earners in the region.

Soccsksargen groups South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.     

With the pay hike, the new daily minimum wage rate for non-agriculture workers in the region is now pegged at P275, while the daily pay for workers in agriculture and retail/service establishments is set at P257 and P255, respectively.

The regional wage board also mandated employers in the region to integrate into the daily basic wage the previously approved P5 cost of living allowance starting January 2015.

Establishments with total assets of not more than P3 million and those registered as barangay micro business enterprises can seek exemption from the new wage hike.

Distressed establishments and those adversely affected by natural and man-made calamities may also seek exemption.

The new wage order was approved last June 4.