By Xander Ledesma
Workers in Western Visayas are set to receive a salary increase starting today, November 17, 2024, as the minimum wage rises by PHP 33 per day. The new daily wage for employees in the region will now be PHP 513, up from PHP 480.
This wage increase, though modest, is expected to have a meaningful impact on workers’ daily lives, particularly in light of the rising cost of living. The adjustment follows approval by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board(RTWPB) of Western Visayas after consultations with labor representatives, business sectors, and local government officials.
The salary increase, which applies to both private and public sector workers in the region, is the first of its kind in over two years. It comes after careful consideration of inflation rates, the cost of essential goods, and the broader economic climate.
Western Visayas, like many parts of the Philippines, has faced economic challenges in recent years, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and inflationary pressures. The wage increase reflects efforts to improve workers’ living conditions while balancing the needs of employers.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the inflation rate in the region reached 6.9% in September 2024, primarily driven by rising food, fuel, and transportation costs. This surge in prices has reduced the purchasing power of workers, particularly those earning the minimum wage.
Although the daily wage increase may not fully offset the higher living costs, it acknowledges the contributions of the local workforce. It also highlights the importance of supporting workers, especially in industries where wages have historically struggled to keep up with inflation.
Discussions on minimum wage adjustments are ongoing across the country, with regional variations based on local economic conditions. The RTWPB is responsible for setting wage levels across the country’s 17 regions, aiming to ensure that minimum wages align with the economic situation while considering business sustainability.
The recent wage increase in Western Visayas is part of a broader trend of wage adjustments in other regions. For example, workers in Metro Manila received a PHP 40 daily raise earlier this year, bringing their minimum wage to PHP 537. However, despite this increase, Western Visayas’ minimum wage remains lower than in some other regions.
The disparities in minimum wages across the Philippines highlight the varying economic challenges faced by different regions. While wage increases are welcome, some labor advocates argue that a unified national minimum wage policy would provide more consistent and equitable pay for all workers.