Minimum wage earners in Pangasinan are finding it harder to make ends meet as rising fuel prices and higher costs of basic goods push inflation upward, workers and labor officials said.

Joshua Caliz, a gasoline station attendant in Calasiao, said his daily wage of P485 is no longer enough to support his wife and one-year-old child.

“Pilit na pinagkakasya po… Sa pagtaas ng krudo po talagang nahihirapan,” Caliz said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in April from 4.1 percent in March, driven by higher global and domestic oil prices, food costs and utility expenses.

Other workers said the rising cost of living has deepened financial pressure on low-income families.

“Kungsino man po yung makakapagtaas ng sahod namin kasi marami talaga kami… para naman yung mga katulad ko, hindi mahirapan,” William Dajon, a security guard, said.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 1 said wage adjustments undergo review by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) before any increase can be implemented.

At present, establishments with up to nine workers are required to pay a minimum daily wage of P480, while companies with 10 or more employees must pay at least P505, according to RTWPB Region 1.

“Sa ngayon, ang establishments na mayroong 9 pababa na workers ay dapat tumatanggap ng P480. ‘Yung mga 10 and above workers hindi dapat sila tumatanggap ng mas mababa sa P505,” Atty. Romina Boado-Cabrillos, board secretary of RTWPB Region 1, said.

Labor officials said several factors are considered in evaluating wage hikes, including workers’ needs, regional economic development and wage levels in neighboring regions.

Authorities also said employers’ ability to sustain higher wages is part of the review process.

“‘Yung capacity to pay ng ating mga employers. Baka pag nagtaas and then bumalik sa normal na conditions, wala ng war, hindi na pwedeng bawiin yung increase na binigay,” Boado-Cabrillos said.