Davao Region Workers to Receive ₱29 Daily Wage Hike Starting March 7

Workers in the Davao region will soon see a ₱29 increase in their daily minimum wage, following an order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Davao (RTWPB-11).

New Minimum Wage Rates

✔ Non-agriculture sector: ₱510 (from ₱481)
✔ Agriculture sector: ₱505 (from ₱476)

The wage order will take effect on March 7, 2025.

Labor Groups Disappointed Over Small Increase

The Associated Labor Union-Southern Mindanao Region (ALU-SMR), which advocated for a ₱150 wage hike, expressed frustration over the minimal increase.

“We’re sad because it’s only ₱29. This amount can’t even buy a kilo of rice,” said Atty. Reina Eusebio-Dalam, ALU-SMR Regional Vice President.

The group also criticized the RTWPB for allegedly failing to follow the consumer price index (CPI) standard, arguing that the new wage increase does not match the rising cost of basic goods and transportation fares.

“For the past 35 years, RTWPB has only granted small increases. Workers have accumulated debts because of low wages. They should at least adjust wages fairly, even by ₱2 per year to match inflation,” Dalam added.

Ongoing Calls for Higher Wage Hikes

The wage increase comes amid ongoing discussions about legislating a ₱200 daily wage hike for private sector workers. While business groups have raised concerns about its impact, labor organizations continue to push for more substantial salary adjustments.

With soaring inflation and rising living costs, many workers in Davao believe that the ₱29 increase is far from enough to improve their financial situation.