Workers in the private sector across the Zamboanga Peninsula are set to receive a โฑ33 increase in their daily minimum wage, according to the new wage order approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
The new wage increase brings some relief, but many are questioning whether it truly addresses the financial struggles of an average family in the region.
New Wage Rates Announced
Albert Gutib, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and RTWPB Chairperson, announced the details of Wage Order No. 23, approved on November 11, 2024. Effective December 12, 2024, the daily minimum wages will be adjusted as follows:
- Non-agricultural establishments employing 10 or more workers: โฑ414 (up from โฑ381).
- Agricultural establishments and smaller retail/service businesses employing fewer than 10 workers: โฑ401 (up from โฑ368).
How the Wage Order Came to Be
The process began on September 13, 2024, when the RTWPB initiated the wage review process, even without formal petitions for an adjustment. This proactive step was followed by a region-wide consultation on October 2, 2024, in Zamboanga City.
To ensure inclusivity, public hearings were held in key areas across the region:
- Dipolog City (October 28)
- Pagadian City (October 29)
- Ipil (October 30)
- Zamboanga and Isabela Cities (November 4)
After considering the input from these consultations, the Board reached a unanimous decision to implement the increase, aiming to help workers cope with the rising cost of living while maintaining business viability.
Support from Stakeholders
Both employer and labor representatives expressed full support for the new wage order, acknowledging that it underwent a transparent and rigorous process. The adjustment seeks to strike a balance between workers’ needs and the sustainability of businesses in the region.
The Bigger Question: Is It Enough?
While the wage hike is a welcome change, the critical question remains: Can a family of five survive on the new minimum wage?
The answer is complex. With the current inflation rate hovering around 5.1%, essential goods like food and transportation costs have significantly risen. Even with the wage increase, workers earning โฑ414 daily (โฑ10,764 monthly for 26 workdays) face a stark realityโfar below the estimated Family Living Wage (FLW) of โฑ33,000โโฑ36,000 per month needed to cover basic expenses.
For smaller agricultural and retail workers earning โฑ401 daily, the gap is even wider, leaving families struggling to meet their most basic needs.
Looking Ahead
The โฑ33 daily hike is a step in the right direction, but it highlights the pressing need for more comprehensive solutions. Wage increases alone cannot bridge the gap.
Policymakers must explore additional measures such as subsidies, affordable housing programs, and accessible social services to improve the quality of life for workers and their families.
For now, while the new wage order offers some respite, itโs clear that many families in the Zamboanga Peninsula will still face financial challenges in the months ahead.
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