Regional boards raise minimum pay in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, SOCCSKSARGEN

Metro Manila, Philippines — Minimum wage earners in three regions will get a raise in the middle of the month based on regional board orders.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and SOCCSKSARGEN have approved new minimum wage rates effective Oct. 17 after publication on Oct. 1.

The Department of Labor said the raise will benefit a total of over 900,000 workers. The adjustments also account for wage-related benefits such as the 13th month pay, service incentive leave, and social security benefits.

In Cagayan Valley, workers in the non-agriculture sector will receive P30 more, raising the daily pay to P480, while agriculture workers will get P460. Domestic workers or “kasambahay” will get a P500 monthly increase, bringing the minimum wage to P6,000.

Central Luzon’s wage board simplified its wage structure, with increases ranging from P50 to P66. Non-agriculture workers will earn between P500 and P550, while agriculture workers will see a wages range of P485-P520. Retail and service sector employees will receive wages between P435 and P540.

In SOCCSKSARGEN, increases of P27 to P48 will bring the non-agriculture pay to P430 and the agriculture sector to P410.

The orders provided exemptions for small businesses and enterprises affected by natural or man-made disasters.