(PIA-NCR file photo)

MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day issued a marching order to the government's wage policy-making bodies to immediately review and adjust the wages of workers in the country, considering the impact of inflation on the labor sector.

Marcos instructed the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards to initiate a timely review of the minimum wage rates in their respective regions within 60 days prior to the anniversary of their latest wage order.

"Such reviews and adjustments can help cushion the impact on workers of the increases in prices of basic goods," the President said during the 122nd Labor Day commemoration at the Malacañan Palace on May 1.

Marcos also asked the National Wages and Productivity Commission to review its rules to ensure the boards can maintain a regular and predictable schedule of wage review, issuance and effectivity.

This move aims to reduce uncertainty and enhance fairness for all stakeholders.

Call for labor laws

The President also called on Congress to enact laws uplifting Filipino workers' conditions, including the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program law, the Revised Apprenticeship Program Act and the CREATE MORE law on Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy.

Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act

Last Sept. 27, 2023, Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11962, or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act, to address unemployment, underemployment and other labor market challenges.

The implementing rules were approved March 12 by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The Trabaho Para sa Bayan-Interagency Council, led by NEDA, is tasked to develop the country's master plan for employment generation and recovery.

Inflation impact cushion

To cushion inflation's impact, the government provided emergency employment to 5.66 million beneficiaries through the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program from July 2022 to February 2024.

Additionally, 167,065 beneficiaries were incorporated into livelihood programs under the Integrated Livelihood Program (ILP), while 429,133 received assistance from the Employees' Compensation Program.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) enrolled 2.65 million individuals in its reskilling and upskilling program, with 1.43 million assessed and 1.36 million certified.

Job security efforts

To ensure job security, DOLE allocated 9.18 billion pesos in the fiscal year 2024 budget for programs aimed at increasing employability. (PIA-NCR)