Davao Region workers to get ₱20–₱30 wage hike starting March

Minimum wage earners in the Davao Region are set to receive higher pay starting next month after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a P20 increase in the daily minimum wage for the agriculture sector and P30 for the non-agriculture sector.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) affirmed Wage Order No. RB XI-24 and Wage Order No. RB XI-DW-04 issued by RTWPB-XI, raising the minimum wage rates in the region.

DOLE said the wage hike will be implemented in two tranches this year: March 13, and September 1.

Once fully implemented, the new rates will raise the daily minimum wage from P505 to P525 in the agriculture sector and from P510 to P540 in the non-agriculture sector.

This translates to about P13,693.75 and P14,085 in monthly pay, respectively, DOLE said.

The wage adjustment is expected to directly benefit around 66,772 minimum wage earners in the region, the agency added.

The wage order also grants a P500 monthly increase for kasambahays (domestic workers) in chartered cities and first-class municipalities in the Davao Region, and P1,500 for those in other municipalities.

This will bring the sector’s monthly minimum wage to a uniform rate of P6,500, benefiting at least 64,111 domestic workers in both live-in and live-out arrangements.

“Retail and service establishments regularly employing not more than 10 workers, and enterprises affected by natural calamities and/or human-induced disasters may apply for exemption from the wage increase until May 11, 2026,” DOLE said.

It added that 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.—MCG, GMA Integrated News