Region 10, also known as Northern Mindanao in the Philippines, comprises five provinces namely Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.
In a move aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and improving the standard of living for workers in Region X, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) has recently issued two significant wage orders, namely Wage Order No. RX-22 and Wage Order No. RX-DW-04.
These orders mark a positive step towards ensuring fair compensation for workers in various sectors, particularly in the non-agriculture, agriculture, and domestic work industries.
Recommended: Minimum Wage All Region
Contents
Minimum Wage Increase in Region 10
Wage Order No. RX-22:
| Classification | Non-Agriculture | Agriculture | ||||||||
| Current MWR Under WO No. RX-21 | 1st TrancheUpon Effectivity of W.O. RX-22 | 2nd TrancheEffective on July 01, 2024 | Current MWR Under WO No. RX-21 | 1st TrancheUpon Effectivity of W.O. RX-22 | 2nd TrancheEffective on July 01, 2024 | |||||
| Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate | Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate | Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate | Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate | |||
| Wage Category 1 | 405.00 | 23.00 | 428.00 | 10.00 | 438.00 | 393.00 | 23.00 | 416.00 | 10.00 | 426.00 |
| Wage Category 2 | 390.00 | 23.00 | 413.00 | 10.00 | 423.00 | 378.00 | 23.00 | 401.00 | 10.00 | 411.00 |
Wage Category 1:
- Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the Municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Jasaan
- Cities of Malaybalay, Valencia, Gingoog, El Salvador and Ozamiz, and the Municipalities of Opol, Maramag, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, and Lugait
Wage Category 2:
- Cities of Oroquieta and Tangub and the Municipalities of Laguindingan, Mambajao, and Balingasag
- All other areas not covered under the above categories; All Retail and Service Establishments employing not more than ten (10) workers
Wage Order No. RX-22, signed into effect by the Regional Board on November 5, 2023, grants an increase of P33 in Region X (Northern Mindanao Region) for the non-agriculture sector.
The increase will be implemented in two tranches, with the first tranche amounting to P23 set to take effect on January 11, 2024, and the second tranche of P10 scheduled for July 1, 2024.
Upon full implementation of the tranches, the minimum wage rates for the non-agriculture sector in Region X are expected to range between P423 and P438.
Meanwhile, for the agriculture sector, workers can anticipate minimum wage rates between P411 and P426.
This adjustment seeks to address the economic challenges workers face in these sectors, ensuring that their wages are commensurate with the rising living costs.
Wage Order No. RX-DW-04:
| Area/ Location | Minimum Wage Under WO No. RX DW-03 | New Wage Increase | New Minimum Wage Rates |
| Chartered Cities and First-Class Municipalities | 4,500.00 | 500.00 | 5,000.00 |
| Other Municipalities | 3,500.00 | 1,500.00 |
Simultaneously, Wage Order No. RX-DW-04 is set to make a substantial impact on the livelihoods of domestic workers, locally referred to as “kasambahays,” in Region X.
This wage order, also signed on November 5, 2023, brings about a monthly increase of P500 to P1,500 for domestic workers in Region X-Mindanao Region.
This revision elevates the monthly minimum wage rate for domestic workers from the existing range of P3,500 to P4,500 to a new standard of P5,000.
Effective January 11, 2024, this adjustment aims to address the unique challenges faced by domestic workers and acknowledges the crucial role they play in households.
The increased wages recognize the essential nature of their work and aim to improve their overall quality of life by providing a more competitive compensation package.
Conclusion:
The recent wage orders, specifically Wage Order No. RX-22 and Wage Order No. RX-DW-04 reflects a concerted effort by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board to strike a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the region.
By providing incremental increases in the minimum wage rates for non-agriculture and agriculture sectors, as well as a significant raise for domestic workers, the Board endeavors to foster fair and just compensation practices that contribute to the overall welfare of the workforce in Region X.
As these changes take effect in 2024, it remains to be seen how they will positively impact the lives of workers and contribute to the region’s economic development.