Bicol region: The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has announced a PHP45 increase in the daily pay of minimum wage earners and a PHP1,000 monthly salary hike for domestic workers, known as 'kasambahay', in the Bicol Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Region 5 approved Wage Order No. V-23, which outlines that the PHP45 daily wage hike will be implemented in two tranches. The first tranche, amounting to PHP20, will be effective from April 8, while the remaining PHP25 will be added on December 1, 2023. Once fully implemented, the minimum wage in the region will increase from PHP435 to PHP480.
The wage increase will benefit workers in the cities of Iriga, Lagazpi, Ligao, Masbate, Naga, Sorsogon, and Tabaco, along with the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.
Furthermore, the minimum wage rate for 'kasambahay' will rise to PHP6,000 following a PHP1,000 monthly pay increase starting April 5, as approved by Wage Order No. RBV-DW-04. This adjustment will also apply to domestic workers in the aforementioned cities and provinces.
The decision aims to enhance the economic conditions of both minimum wage earners and domestic workers in the region.
