With the wage order, the new minimum rates in Calabarzon will now range between P385 and P520 in non-agriculture sector, P385 to P479 in the agriculture sector, and P385 for retail and service establishments employing not more than 10 workers.
"For example, if you used to earn a minimum wage rate of P470, we added P50 in areas that are already developed. That amounts to a 10.63% increase. The others would be rounded up to nine to 11%," said Gener Rivera, Labor and Employment Officer III of RTWPB IV-A.
The new wage order was based on separate consultations with workers and companies, where factors were also considered such as the inflation rate, purchasing power of the peso, price of basic goods, and the companies' capacity to provide the requested wage increase.
"The rest of the factors that are considered in creating the wage order are decided by our board members who have the expertise and know the necessary data and requirements for a wage increase," Rivera explained.
The wage adjustment includes minimum wage workers in the private sector across all industries, including both regular and contractual workers.
"All minimum wage workers - whether in manufacturing, retail and service, or any other industry - will receive a salary increase. If you earn the lowest wage, those rates will be increased. No matter where you work or what job you have as a minimum wage earner, everyone is included," Rivera added.
Once implemented, workers in the agriculture sector in emerging growth areas will have a minimum wage of P385, up from P350, while those in the extended metropolitan area will have a minimum wage of P479.
