The daily minimum wage rate in the Ilocos Region will soon increase to PHP372 and PHP400 following the approval of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-1 (RTWPB1).

In an interview on Tuesday, Department of Labor and Employment Ilocos Region information officer Justin Paul Marbella said the new minimum wage rate is now up for the affirmation of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

“After which, it will be published in local newspapers and then the new rate shall be effective in 15 days upon publication,” he said.

Marbella said the RTWPB-1 approved on May 11 the minimum wage of PHP400 daily for all non-agriculture establishments employing 10 or more employees; and PHP372 a day for all non-agriculture firms employing less than 10 employees; and agriculture, whether plantation or non-plantation.

The minimum wage starting 2019 has been PHP340 daily for non-agricultural establishments with more than 30 employees; PHP310 for those with 10 to 29 employees; and PHP282 for those with one to nine employees.

For agricultural employees, the daily minimum wage is PHP282 for non-plantation, and PHP295 for plantation.

DOLE Ilocos regional director lawyer Evelyn Ramos said this pay hike is a result of comprehensive deliberation of the wage board.

“We took into consideration all the concerns and manifestations which arose during our public consultations and hearings. But one thing was clear that both management and labor sectors were amenable for an increase,” she said.

Domestic workers or the kasambahay will also get an increase in their monthly rate from PHP4,500 for cities and first-class municipalities, and PHP3,500 for other municipalities, to PHP5,000 monthly.

“This time, the wage board thought it proper to set the monthly minimum wage rate of PHP5,000 for kasambahay regardless of area classifications,” Ramos said.

Besilda Martin, an employee from Dagupan City, expressed her excitement over the impending wage increase in the region.

“Sana maipatupad na po agad kasi malaking bagay ang increase lalo sa panahon ng pandemya (I hope it will be immediately implemented because it will be a huge help, especially during this time of pandemic),” she said. (PNA)