Central Visayas workers begin receiving ₱42 daily wage hike

Daemien Arkin Batacan

Minimum wage earners in Central Visayas began receiving a ₱42 daily wage increase on October 14, following the affirmation of a new wage order by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).

The adjustment covers private-sector workers in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, with approximately 450,185 minimum wage earners expected to benefit from the increase, according to the NWPC.

Under Wage Order No. ROVII (CENTRAL VISAYAS)-27, the daily minimum wage will rise to ₱582 for workers in Class A areas and ₱542 for those in Class B areas, depending on the location of their establishments.

Class A areas include selected cities and municipalities within Metro Cebu and its surrounding areas, while Class B covers other cities and municipalities not classified under Class A.

The NWPC affirmed the wage order following its submission by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VII (RTWPB VII). 

The commission unanimously approved the measure, with five commissioners present and two absent during the deliberation held on September 26, at the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VII in Cebu.

The new rates took effect on October 14, 15 days after the wage order’s publication on September 28.

The adjustment also covers domestic workers, or kasambahays, who will receive a ₱500 monthly wage increase, raising their minimum monthly wage from ₱7,000 to ₱7,500.

According to the NWPC, the wage adjustment aims to help workers recover purchasing power affected by inflation while considering the region’s economic growth, productivity, and the capacity of businesses to sustain operations.

However, certain establishments may qualify for exemptions under existing rules, including eligible small retail and service establishments as well as enterprises affected by disasters. 

Registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, meanwhile, are not covered by the minimum wage law.

The Department of Labor and Employment is expected to monitor compliance with the new wage order through labor inspections and technical assistance visits.

Workers and employers may consult the NWPC or RTWPB VII for details on the applicable wage rates, coverage, and exemption requirements.