(Photo courtesy of DOLE-12)
COTABATO CITY – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12 (Soccsksargen), has issued a new wage order granting a PHP35 increase to workers in the private sector in the region, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 announced Friday.
RTWPB-12 said the wage hike for workers in the non-agriculture, agriculture, and service or retail establishments will be given in two tranches.
The first tranche is PHP22 upon the effectivity of the wage law, and PHP13 for the second tranche effective Jan. 1 next year.
After full implementation, the daily minimum wage rates in the Soccsksargen region will be PHP403 for non-agriculture workers, and PHP382 for agriculture, and service or retail establishments.
The Soccsksargen wage board also approved a PHP500 increase in the daily wages of domestic workers, which would bring their monthly wage to PHP5,000 in the cities and first-class municipalities and PHP4,500 in other towns in the region.
The new wage order will be published on Sept. 30 and will take effect after 15 days or starting Oct.16.
The current daily pay of non-agriculture workers is PHP368 and PHP347 for agriculture, service/retail establishments, according to the DOLE-12.
Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat; and the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, and Tacurong.
Barangay Micro Business Enterprises are not covered by the minimum wage law under Republic Act 9178 or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act of 2002.
For exemption applications and further clarifications on the wage order, the RTWPBs said DOLE’s regional and provincial offices are open to entertain inquiries.
They may also be reached through their email and social media pages. (PNA)
