FIRST IN BARMM. Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema signs the new wage order issued by the Regional Wages and Productivity Board on Monday (Aug. 19, 2024). The law grants house helpers a minimum of PHP5,000 monthly pay. (Photo courtesy of Bandera News TV-Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – The Regional Wages and Productivity Board-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RTWPB-BARMM) on Monday issued the order granting domestic workers (kasambahay) a PHP5,000 minimum wage per month.
The RTWPB, headed by BARMM Labor Minister Muslimin Sema, signed the new wage order following a meeting Monday morning.
Dubbed the “Wage Order for Domestic Workers,” the new salary order for ‘kasambahay’ was the first in the region.
“This is historic and unprecedented; the house helpers now can celebrate,” Sema told reporters in an interview.
Sema stressed the board had conducted a series of consultations with stakeholders across the region before deciding on the minimum wage.
He said the new wage for domestic workers considers the economic condition of the region and the dignity of the house helps, who are considered the trusted persons of employers regarding household chores.
Sema warned that if the employer fails to comply, the affected "kasambahay" may seek help from MOLE-BARMM or its field offices.
The wage order takes effect 15 days after its publication in newspapers of regional circulation. (PNA)
