RTWPB-6 approves PHP 37–PHP 45 daily wage hike

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 has approved a PHP 37 to PHP 45 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers in Western Visayas, following a series of public consultations across the region.

According to Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr., RTWPB-6 chairperson and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6 regional director, the new wage order has been signed by the board and is pending review and approval by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) to ensure compliance with existing wage laws and regulations.

“As a result of the series of consultations and hearings conducted in several areas, we found it necessary to issue a new wage order. Once approved, it will be published and will take effect 15 days later, most likely on November 19,” Rodriguez explained in an interview.

Under the new wage order:

– Non-agriculture, industrial, and commercial establishments with more than 10 workers will see a PHP 37 increase, raising the daily minimum wage from PHP 513 to PHP 550.
– Establishments with 10 or fewer workers will receive a PHP 45 increase, from PHP 485 to PHP 530.
– In the agriculture sector, the daily wage will rise by PHP 40, from PHP 480 to PHP 520.
– For domestic workers (kasambahay), the monthly wage will increase by PHP 500, from PHP 6,000 to PHP 6,500.

Earlier hearings—including one held in Iloilo City on October 8 at the Diamond Jubilee Hall—saw labor groups pushing for a PHP 200 daily wage increase across the region.

However, business sectors and service providers raised concerns about the financial sustainability of such a hike, citing the impact on small enterprises still recovering from economic disruptions.

The RTWPB-6 conducted the hearings as part of its mandate under the Wage Rationalization Act (Republic Act No. 6727), which authorizes regional wage boards to determine and adjust minimum wage rates based on prevailing economic conditions.

For many workers, the current PHP 513 daily minimum wage is viewed as insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising prices of goods and services, prompting renewed calls for a more substantial increase.

Rodriguez emphasized that the board carefully balanced both sides before approving the increase.