P40 wage hike approved in Bicol region

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in the Bicol Region has approved a P40 wage hike, bringing the daily minimum wage to P395 to P435 in all sectors.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) affirmed the wage order, which is set to take effect on April 5, 2025.

The wage increase will be implemented in two tranches: the first increase is set upon its effectivity next month and the other on December 1, 2025.

“About 316,784 full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage may also indirectly benefit from upward adjustments at the enterprise level arising from the correction of wage distortion,” the Labor Department said.

Meanwhile, the RTWPB also approved a P1,000 monthly increase for domestic workers (kasambahays) in the Bicol Region, bringing the monthly minimum wage to P6,000.

A total of 113,026 kasambahays are seen to enjoy the wage increase. Of the figures, 21% or 19,607 are on live-in arrangements.

Zamboanga wage hike

Likewise, the RTWPB in Zamboanga Peninsula issued Wage Order No. RIX-DW-05, granting a P900 to P1,000 monthly increase for kasambahays.

This increases the monthly minimum wage of domestic workers in chartered cities and first-class municipalities to P5,500 and P5,000 in other municipalities. The wage order will take effect on December 22.

At least 18,984 kasambahays in the region are expected to benefit from the wage hike, according to DOLE. —VAL, GMA Integrated News