Workers across Region 1 started receiving higher daily pay this week, a change that many families say could help them cope with rising prices.

For Carlos Mendoza, a gasoline attendant, the adjustment came at the right time. He said he continues to stretch his income to support his family, and the new wage increase gives him some relief.

“Malaking bagay kasi halos lahat nang bilihin tumataas na, kaya kailangan talaga tataas din ang sahod namin,” Mendoza said.

Under the new wage order issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-1), minimum wage earners in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte will get an additional ₱37 to ₱45 per day.

Domestic workers will also receive a ₱700 increase in their monthly salary, raising the minimum rate from ₱6,000 to ₱6,700.

RTWPB-1 Board Secretary Atty. Romina Boado-Cabrillos said the board carefully studied the adjustment.

“Itong wage increase na ito ay naibigay or na-issue ng ating mga board member para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga manggagawa, pero binalanse rin nila ‘yung kakayahan ng ating mga employers na magbayad,” she said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that more than 94,000 workers in Region 1 will benefit from the wage hike. DOLE also committed to monitor employers to ensure proper implementation.

“Tinitignan nila kung ang mga employees ba ay nababayaran ng tamang pasahod, lalong-lalo na sa ating mga minimum wage earners,” Boado-Cabrillos added.

DOLE warned business owners who fail to comply with the new wage order may face civil and criminal cases.