By Freddie G. Lazaro
San Fernando City, La Union — The Department of Labor and Employment in Region 1 (DOLE-1) has announced that minimum wage earners in this region, covering Pangasinan, La Union, and the Ilocos provinces, will get a raise starting January 25.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-1 (RTWPB-1) issued Wage Order RB1-19 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) granting a P30 increase in the daily wages of workers in large non-agriculture and commercial fishing establishments.
Workers in medium non-agriculture establishments will get a P20 increase, while those in small and micro establishments and agriculture (plantation and non-plantation) will receive a P13.00 per day increase.
The wage order will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on January 10-16, 2018.
Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra, chairperson of the RTWPB-1 and the regional director of DOLE-1, said the new wage hike will cover all workers or employees in the private sectors receiving the minimum wage rates irrespective of their positions, designations or status of employment and regardless of the method by which their wages are paid.
Excluded from the order, however, are kasambahay or domestic workers; persons employed in the personal service of another including family drivers; and workers and employees of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) with certificates of authority pursuant to Republic Act 9178, as amended.