New Minimum Wage Hike Set for CALABARZON and Central Visayas

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) of CALABARZON (Region IV-A) and Central Visayas (Region VII) have approved new wage orders, granting higher daily minimum wage rates for workers in private establishments. The wage increase ranges from ₱21 to ₱75 per day in CALABARZON and ₱33 to ₱43 per day in Central Visayas.

These adjustments were decided upon by the RTWPBs, with unanimous agreement from representatives of the government, labor, and employers, and were further confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).

Effective Dates and Wage Adjustments

The new wage rates will be effective on September 30, 2024, in CALABARZON, and October 2, 2024, in Central Visayas.

The adjustments result in an average 7% to 8% increase in daily wages, providing a boost to about 1.2 million minimum wage earners in both regions.

New Wage Rates by Sector

Region IV-A (CALABARZON):

Non-agriculture sector: ₱450 to ₱560 per day
Agriculture sector: ₱425 to ₱500 per day
Retail/service establishments (10 or fewer workers): ₱425 per day

Region VII (Central Visayas):

Class A: ₱501 per day
Class B: ₱463 per day
Class C: ₱453 per day

The new wage rates in both regions also lead to an increase in related benefits, such as 13th-month pay, service incentive leave, and contributions to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

Possible Exemptions

Retail/service establishments with no more than ten employees and businesses affected by natural calamities or disasters may apply for exemption from the wage hike. Barangay Micro Business Enterprises remain exempt from the minimum wage law.

This wage increase is expected to improve the income of many workers while potentially influencing salary adjustments for others in these regions. (ASC)