NCR workers struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs

National Capital Region workers are having a hard time making ends meet amid the steep increase in the prices of fuel and other basic goods.

In a 24 Oras Weekend report on Sunday, Jeff Caguioa said that even if he is earning above minimum wage, his salary is still not enough to sustain his family of six due to the increasing price of prime commodities.

“Katulad ngayon nagtaas ang mga bilihin tapos ‘yung sahod ganon pa rin. Lalo na sa mga nagco-commute mas mas mahirap din sa kanila ‘yun,” he said.

(Just like today, prices have gone up and wages are still the same. It’s even harder, especially for those who commute.)

He said his family has to pay P7,000 for groceries, P1,000 for water and electricity, P3,000 to pay for his motorcycle, and P1,600 for their television. Their debts and spending for the kids are not yet included in this list.

Caguioa also needed to increase his daily allowance to P120 so he could by fuel for his motorcycle.

Due to this, he has to work a part-time job even on his days off.

Meanwhile, construction worker Renaldo Recardo had to work in Metro Manila to provide for his family in Mindoro. However, he said that he felt like his life did not improve in his eight years as a laborer.

“‘Yung budget lang ‘yung unahin namin, ‘yung sa gatas ng mga bata tapos ‘yung budget ng ano pero kinakapos pa rin ‘yung iba. Tiis na lang din po,” he said.

(We prioritize our budget for the milk of my kids and other expenses, and it’s still not enough. We have to put up with it.)

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said on Wednesday that the minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR) may no longer be enough for workers and their families due to the increase in the prices of basic goods.

He then ordered Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards across the country to hasten the review of minimum wages.

On Monday, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) will petition for a wage increase in the NCR.

The group Unity for Wage Increase Now, on the other hand, is appealing for a P213 wage increase in the region.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) National Wages and Productivity Commission, the daily minimum wage in the National Capital Region ranges from P500 to P537. — Giselle Ombay/DVM, GMA News