MARAWI CITY (PIA) -- Private sector workers across the Bangsamoro region will receive a P20 increase in their daily take-home pay following the approval of a new wage order by the Bangsamoro Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (BTWPB) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Under Wage Order No. BARMM-03, the new basic pay rate is set at P336 from P316 for the non-agriculture sector and P326 from P306 for the agriculture sector in all provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

On the other hand, workers in Cotabato City will receive a new daily minimum wage rate ranging from P341 to P361 for the non-agriculture sector and from P316 to P336 for the agriculture sector.

The Special Geographic Area (SGA) status quo retains the P341 for the non-agriculture and P316 for agriculture minimum pay.

“Our employers have no problem with the wage increase. P20 is enough, considering the current price hike of necessities for both workers and employers,” said Atty. Anwar Malang of the BTWPB.

The new wage order applies to non-agricultural workers employed in industry, manufacturing, construction, commerce, mining, and academia, while non-plantation and retail are part of the agricultural sector.

Before its approval, the BTWPB initiated deliberations on wage review and conducted public consultations to gather public sentiments, views, and opinions from both the labor and management sectors.

Minister of Labor and Employment (MOLE) Datu Muslimin Sema said despite the challenges faced by business sectors, the government and employers agreed and ventured to increase wages to address their concerns and support their needs.

“It took time for us to decide because while we see so much about the well-being of our workers, we are also equally worried about the status of employers who are suffering from the effects of rising oil and electricity prices,” he added.

Sema said the Bangsamoro government commended the private business sector for its unwavering support in improving the socio-economic status of the Bangsamoro people.

“The Bangsamoro Government, together with concerned stakeholders, will work hard to improve the condition of our people,” he emphasized.

The new wage order shall take effect fifteen days from its publication in at least one newspaper of general circulation in BARMM. (BIO/PIA Lanao del Sur)