WAGE HIKE. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the Soccsksargen Region (RTWPB-12) approves Wage Order No. 22 on Wednesday (May 18, 2022) granting an additional PHP32 on the minimum wage of private-sector workers in the region. The wage hike will be implemented in two tranches up to September this year. (Photo Courtesy of RTWPB-12)
KORONADAL CITY – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Soccsksargen ((RTWPB–12) has approved a PHP32 wage increase for private-sector workers in the region, an official said Thursday.
Jessie Dela Cruz, RTWPB-12 secretary, said their office issued Wage Order No. 22 which increases the daily pay for workers in the non-agricultural sector to PHP368; and PHP347 for those in the agriculture, service, and retail establishment sectors.
“The first tranche of PHP16 will be given upon the effectivity of the new wage order while the second tranche of PHP16 pesos will be implemented on September 1,” Dela Cruz said in an interview.
Dela Cruz explained the wage increase is implemented in tranches because their office also took into consideration the financial status of businesses affected by the pandemic.
Both the labor and business management sector representatives considered the need of the workers in the private establishments for a wage increase and the capacity of the employers to pay, he said.
“We know that the present situation is different because of the pandemic,” he added.
Dela Cruz said the new wage order will be transmitted for the approval of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
“Once affirmed the new wage order will be implemented immediately 15 days after publication in local newspapers,” Dela Cruz said.
The current minimum wage in Soccsksargen, based on the 2020 minimum wage adjustments, is PHP336 per day for workers in the non-agriculture sector, and PHP315 for agro, retail, and service sectors.
The Soccsksargen covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani; and the cities of Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong, and General Santos. (PNA)
