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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE: Davao workers, 'kasambahay' to receive higher pay Mar. 13

DOLE: Davao workers, 'kasambahay' to receive higher pay Mar. 13

Published Feb 25, 2026 03:14 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE implements higher wages for workers and 'kasambahay' in Region XI starting Mar. 13.
  • Daily minimum wage rises by ₱20 in agriculture, ₱30 in non-agriculture; kasambahays get ₱500–₱1,500 monthly increase.
  • Full implementation brings monthly pay to ₱13,693.75 (agriculture), ₱14,085 (non-agriculture), and ₱6,500 ('kasambahay').
  • Wage Orders take effect 15 days after publication on Feb. 25, 2026.
  • Small establishments, calamity-affected businesses, and BMBEs may apply for temporary exemptions until May 11, 2026.
Thousands of workers and domestic helpers in Region XI will receive higher pay starting Mar. 13 following the implementation of new wage orders approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced.
In a statement, the DOLE said under Wage Order No. RB XI-24, daily minimum wages in the region will increase by ₱20 in the agriculture sector and ₱30 in the non-agriculture sector.
The increase will be implemented in two tranches, with the second tranche effective Sept. 1, 2026.
The department added that kasambahays will receive a monthly increase of ₱500 in Chartered Cities and First-Class Municipalities and ₱1,500 in Other Municipalities.
This will raise the sector’s monthly minimum wage to ₱6,500, benefiting both live-in and live-out domestic workers.
The adjustment will directly benefit about 66,772 minimum wage earners and 64,111 domestic workers in Region XI.
Once fully implemented, the daily minimum wage will rise from ₱505 to ₱525 in the agriculture sector and from ₱510 to ₱540 in the non-agriculture sector.
This translates to monthly wages of ₱13,693.75 for agriculture workers and ₱14,085 for non-agriculture workers.
The Wage Orders take effect fifteen days after their publication on Feb. 25, 2026.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) affirmed that RTWPB-XI complied with criteria under the Wage Rationalization Act and Batas Kasambahay, which consider workers’ needs, employers’ capacity to pay, and regional economic conditions.
The NWPC said the wage adjustments reflect the Marcos Administration’s commitment to regular wage reviews that promote fairness and link productivity to pay.
Beyond minimum wages, DOLE and RTWPB-XI are providing technical assistance to correct wage distortions among higher-paid job levels through NWPC Advisory No. 01, Series of 2023.
This program is expected to benefit around 402,968 full-time workers earning above the minimum wage.
To ensure compliance, the department and board will conduct labor inspections and launch a region-wide information campaign.
“Retail and service establishments regularly employing not more than ten (10) workers, and enterprises affected by natural calamities or human-induced disasters, may apply for temporary exemption from the wage increase until May 11, 2026,” DOLE said.
“Further, Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with valid Certificates of Authority from the Department of Trade and Industry are not covered by the minimum wage law under Republic Act No. 9178,” it added.
For inquiries on the new wage orders, RTWPB-XI can be contacted at [email protected].

Related Tags

DOLE Davao Region minimum wage increase March 13 labor news
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