DAGUPAN CITY , Philippines — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Ilocos is considering a salary increase for minimum wage earners and domestic helpers.
Nathaniel Lacambra, Department of Labor and Employment-Ilocos director, said the anniversary of the previous pay hike of minimum wage earners in the region was on Jan. 25 while the salary of domestic workers was adjusted more than two years ago.
“With the events that transpired within those periods, the board has deemed it proper to initiate a review of current socio-economic conditions,” Lacambra said.
The wage board conducted public hearings in Pangasinan and La Union on Feb. 15 and in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur on Feb. 19.
Lacambra said the board wants to increase the purchasing power of workers without compromising the viability of businesses.
The current minimum wage of workers in big companies in the region is P310; medium enterprises, P285; small establishments, P265, and micro-establishments and agricultural non-plantation, P256.
The minimum wage of domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities in Ilocos is P3,500 and P2,500 in other towns.