LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 1 held a public consultation on Aug. 24 with stakeholders on the possible minimum wage increase in the region.
Held at the Laoag City Multipurpose Hall, the activity convened employees and employers from the private sector.
Their feedback forms the basis for the RTWPB to determine whether adjustments are needed to the prevailing Wage Order No. RB 1-22.
The wage order states there is a P30 to P35 increase in daily minimum wages of private sector workers.
Further, the minimum wage for all non-agriculture establishments employing 10 or more employees is P435 per day, while it is P402 per day for all non-agriculture establishments employing less than 10 employees and agriculture industry.
In his message, Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon welcomes this endeavor to help minimum wage earners cope with increasing prices of basic commodities, on top of other daily expenses.
“I encourage the participants to come up with a dialectic decision to adjust the minimum wage for private employees and kasambahays that ensures fairness and respect not only to uplift the individuals but also strengthen society as a whole,” said Keon.
He further encouraged the participants to be open with their sentiments and suggestions to help the wage board come up with a decisive order that can benefit them.
“I am very happy that the board has come here to discuss this problem. To all participants, be frank and speak out what you really need to say so that the board can make the appropriate adjustment in the future,” added the city mayor.
In an interview, Regional Director Exequiel Guzman of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 1 said that increasing the wage and balancing the interest needs of workers and capacity of the employer to pay remain a great challenge to the agency.
“We will see to it that the wage suggestions of participants are appropriate for the economy and not against any violation,” said Guzman.
For a mother like Christine Tariga, an employee from a private company and a resident of Batac City, the possible increase of the minimum wage for private workers will help them with the inflation crisis in the country.
“Willing ako sa pagtaas ng sweldo kasi sobrang mahal na ng bilihin, hindi na enough. For me, may anak na ako, ‘yong sahod ko pa lang nasa above minimum, hindi pa siya enough para sa amin. In terms naman sa basic needs namin, parang ang hirap pa rin i-provide kasi nga kulang, mababa talaga ‘yong sahod,” said Tariga.
(I am in favor of a salary increase because the cost of living is so high now; it’s not enough anymore. As a parent, my salary is just above the minimum wage, and it’s still not sufficient for the needs of our family. In terms of our basic needs, it’s still really difficult to provide because the salary is low.)
During the event, the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and Pag-IBIG Fund presented their services and benefits to the employees and employers.
The DOLE will announce to the public the wage consultation result on November 6-7, coinciding with the anniversary of the current wage order. (AMB/MJTAB/MAB-intern/PIA Ilocos Norte)
