Region XI could expect higher minimum wage rates starting this May 1, 2017.
Department of Labor and Employment Region director Raymundo G. Agravante revealed that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has integrated the P5.00 Cost of Living Allowance granted under Wage Order No. RB XI-18 in the basic wage pay.
According to one provision stated under Wage Order No. RB XI-19, the increase was a result of the the studies on the socio-economic conditions of Region XI, public hearings, and deliberations conducted.
The said order further stated that the Regional Board has determined the need to restore the lost purchasing power of minimum wage earners in Davao Region for them to cope with the rising cost of living without impairing the productivity and viability of business and industries therein.
Effective May 1, new minimum wage rates will be as follows: (1) Non-agriculture/industrial/commercial and retail service employing more than 10 workers, P340.00; and (2) Agriculture sector P335.00; and (3) Retail/service employing not more than 10 workers, P325.00.
The first tranche of wage hike implemented by DOLE on December 16, 2016 covered a P23 increase (312+23) for non-agriculture/industrial/commercial and retail service employing more than 10 workers, P29 increase (330+28) for agriculture sector, and P29 increase (281+29) for retail/service employing not more than 10 workers.
Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board XI stressed that no exemption from compliance under the wage board shall be allowed.
“However, in case of a calamity, the Board may accept applications for exemption for establishments adversely affected by calamities such as natural and/or human-induced disasters,” added the Board.
The exemption is subjected to the NWPC Guidelines No. 02, series of 2007 as amended by National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) Resolution No. 01, series of 2014.
