After a series of public consultations held the previous month all over the region, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Region 02 approved minimum wage hikes for workers in private establishments and domestic workers or kasambahays during its meeting on May 17, 2022 at Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao City.

The increases will be implemented in tranches to ease the burden of employers who are still recovering from the pandemic. The first tranche comes with a PHP 30 increase for all minimum wage earners in private establishments upon the effectivity of Wage Order No. RTWPB 02-21 on June 8, 2022. Wage Order No. 02-DW-04 instituting the increase for domestic workers to PHP 5,000 per month will be effective on the same date. The complete details of the Wage Orders may be perused at https://bit.ly/R2WageIncrease.

By January 1, 2023, minimum wage workers in the non-agriculture sector are set to earn PHP 420 per day, increasing from PHP 370 per day for establishments employing more than ten, and from PHP 345 per day for establishments employing not more than ten. Meanwhile, minimum wage workers in the agriculture sector are set to earn PHP 400 per day by January 1, 2023, increasing from PHP 345 per day.

This move emanates from the Board’s deliberation, taking into consideration the inputs of employers and employees during the public consultations and public hearing, as well as the economic condition of the region and its workers.

Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director (RD) Joel M. Gonzales chairs the Board. National Economic and Development Authority RD Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr. and Department of Trade and Industry RD Romleah Juliet P. Ocampo sit as vice-chairs. Mr. Jesus B. Villamor and Mr. Johnny M. Alvaro, representing employees, and Ms. Arcelli L. Dulin, representing employers, complete the Board. #