The minimum wage is a fundamental labor policy that aims to provide economic security and dignity to workers by ensuring that they earn a reasonable income for their labor.
In the Philippines, the minimum wage varies from one region to another, reflecting the differences in the cost of living, economic conditions, and other factors.
This essay focuses on Region 12, located in the southern part of the Philippines, and discusses the importance of setting an appropriate minimum wage that ensures economic welfare for its workers.
Region 12: An Overview
Region 12, also known as the Soccsksargen Region, is composed of four provinces: Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, as well as the cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Tacurong, and Cotabato.
It is a region known for its agricultural resources, particularly in rice, corn, and high-value crops, and has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, fishing, mining, and trade. Despite its economic diversity, Region 12 faces several challenges, including poverty, income inequality, and a relatively low minimum wage.
Also Read: Minimum Wage in the Philippines All Region
Minimum Wage in Region 12(2024)
๐ช๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐-๐ฎ๐ฐ grants the following minimum wage increase in RTWPB XII (SOCCSKSARGEN):
*๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ณ for the non-agriculture sector, setting the minimum wage rate to ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฌ upon full implementation;
*๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ด for the agriculture sector, setting the minimum wage rate to ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ฌ upon full implementation; and
*๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ด for retail/service establishments, setting the minimum wage to ๐ฃ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฌ upon full implementation.
CURRENT DAILY MINIMUM WAGE RATES
REGION XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) a/
Per Wage Order No. XII-24 b/
(Effective: 17 October 2024)
| Sector/Industry | Current Minimum Wage | Minimum Wage Rates | |||||||
| Upon effectivity | New Minimum Wage Rates | Wage Increase(2nd Tranche: January 1, 2025) | New Minimum Wage Rates | Wage Increase(3rd Tranche: April 1, 2025) | New Minimum Wage Rates | Wage Increase(4th Tranche: June 1, 2025) | New Minimum Wage Rates | ||
| Non-Agriculture | 403.00 | 14.00 | 417.00 | 13.00 | – | 430.00 | |||
| Service/Retail Establishments | 382.00 | 14.00 | 396.00 | 14.00 | 410.00 | 10.00 | 420.00 | 10.00 | |
| Agriculture | 382.00 | 14.00 | 396.00 | 14.00 | – | 410.00 | |||
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- Covers the Cities of General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal and Tacurong, Provinces of North Cotabato (except the 63 barangays that are now part of the BARMM), Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
b. Grants the following wage increases:
- โฑ27 increase, setting the MWR for non-agriculture to โฑ430 upon full implementation of tranches;
- โฑ28 increase, setting the MWR for agriculture to โฑ410 upon full implementation of tranches; and
- โฑ48 increase, setting the MWR for retail/service establishments to โฑ430 upon full implementation of tranches.
Previous Minimum Wage (2023)
๐ช๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐-๐ฎ๐ฏ grants a P35 increase to Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) minimum wage workers in the non-agriculture, agriculture, and service/retail establishments to be given in two tranches, P22 (first tranche) upon effectivity on October 16, 2023, and P13 (second tranche) on January 1, 2024.
After full implementation, the daily minimum wage rates in the region will be P403 for non-agriculture, and P382 for agriculture, and service/retail.
| Sector/Industry | Current Minimum Wage Rates | New Wage Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate |
| Non-Agriculture | P368 | P22 (Upon Effectivity of the First Tranche on October 16, 2023) P13 (Upon Effectivity of the Second Tranche on January 1, 2024) | P390 P403 |
| Agriculture/Service/Retail Establishment | P347 | P22 (Upon Effectivity of the First Tranche on October 16, 2023) P13 (Upon Effectivity of the Second Tranche on January 1, 2024) | P369 P382 |
Meanwhile, ๐ช๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐-๐๐ช-๐ฌ๐ฐ grants a monthly increase of P500, bringing the monthly wage rate of domestic workers in Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) to P5,000 in the cities and first-class municipalities, and P4,500 to other municipalities in the region.
New Minimum Wage Rate for Domestic Workers in SOCCSKSARGEN
| Area/Location | Current Minimum Wage Rates | New Wage Increase | New Minimum Wage Rate |
| Cities and First Class Municipalities | P4,500 | P500 | P5,000 |
| Other Municipalities | P4,000 | P500 | P4,500 |
๐ช๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐-๐ฎ๐ฏ Download Copy
๐ช๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ผ. ๐ฅ๐ ๐ซ๐๐-๐๐ช-๐ฌ๐ฐ Download Copy
Conclusion
In Region 12, setting a fair minimum wage is a vital step towards ensuring the economic welfare of its workers. The minimum wage is not just a number on a paycheck; it represents the dignity, security, and quality of life that every worker deserves.
A fair minimum wage can help alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, enhance economic welfare, and motivate workers to be more productive. However, it is essential to strike a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities faced by employers.
Regular adjustments in the minimum wage are necessary to keep up with changing economic conditions and the rising cost of living. By addressing these challenges and pursuing a fair minimum wage policy, Region 12 can contribute to a more just and prosperous society for its workers and their families.
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