Davao board OKs slight increase in minimum wages starting March

Metro Manila, Philippines - Minimum wage workers in the Davao region may expect a slight increase in their salary starting next month, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) said.

In a statement, the RTWPB-Davao Region said private sector workers may get an additional P29 in their minimum salary.

This brings the minimum wage rates for non-agricultural workers to P510 and to agriculture earners to P505.

The order will take effect on March 7, the board said.

It said the increase will be carried out after “thorough review and evaluation of the existing socio-economic conditions and consultations with various agencies and the general public.”

Lawmakers have been pushing for a legislated hike, with the most recent proposal asking Congress to pass a P200 increase for minimum wage earners.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was not keen on certifying the measure as urgent, pointing to the RTWPB that determines salary levels under the Wage Rationalization Act of 1989.