Bayan Muna Partylist Partylist said the recently announced regional wage adjustments for Northern Mindanao “remain far from addressing the real needs of workers and their families even as it may provide some relief for workers facing rising costs of living.”
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Northern Mindanao has announced new wage adjustments set to take effect on January 12, 2025. Non-agriculture workers will receive an additional P23 daily, while agriculture workers will see a P35 increase. Domestic workers or “kasambahays” will gain a monthly raise of P1,000.
According to IBON Foundation’s estimates, a family of five in the Philippines needs at least P1,186 daily to cover basic expenses. For kasambahays, the new wage of approximately P7,000 per month translates to only P269 per day, leaving a significant gap in meeting basic needs.
“These adjustments highlight the inadequacy of the regional wage-setting system in addressing the worsening economic crisis faced by Filipino workers,” said Former Congressman Atty.Carlos Isagani “Kaloi” Zarate, National Executive Vice President and second nominee of Bayan Muna Partylist.
“The call for a national minimum wage is more urgent than ever. Regional wage boards perpetuate inequality and fail to recognize the universal cost of living challenges workers face across the country.” Zarate added.
Bayan Muna Partylist has long decried the regionalization of wages, arguing that it creates disparities and institutionalizes poverty among workers in regions with lower wage rates. The current setup, allows employers to exploit these disparities, leaving millions of workers unable to achieve a decent standard of living.
Bayan Muna Partylist is reiterating its call for a legislated national minimum wage that ensures all workers, regardless of their location or industry, receive fair compensation.
In addition, Bayan Muna Partylist is demanding urgent measures to address the rising prices of basic goods and services, including electricity, water, and food staples, which have further eroded the purchasing power of workers.
“Wage hikes must be significant enough to provide dignified living standards. We need immediate reforms to uplift workers and protect their rights in the face of unrelenting economic challenges.” Zarate added.
As the new year enters, Bayan Muna will continue to press the Marcos Jr. government to address the demands for a national minimum wage and an end to regionalized wage-setting.#
