DOLE, RTWPB announce new minimum wage hike in Caraga
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Workers in the Caraga region welcomed the new year with good news and positivity as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga announced the implementation of the first tranche of the minimum wage increase for the Fiscal Year 2026, effective January 3.
Under Wage Order No. RXIII-DW-20, the daily minimum wage has been raised from P435 to P455, while Wage Order RXIII-DW-06 mandates an increase in kasambahays’ minimum wage, from P6,000 to P6,500.
Earl V. Dela Victoria, board secretary VI of RTWPB Caraga, explained that the adjustment was the result of a rigorous process.
“The rate by which we adjust our regional minimum wage is not a mere estimate. This has to undergo a series of studies, deliberation, and public consultation to be able to come up with the appropriate amount,” he said.
Dela Victoria emphasized that the board ensures a balance between labor and management interests.
“We also have representatives from the management sector, duly appointed by the President himself. Through them, we can come up with a win-win solution for both parties,” he added.
For many workers, the increase is a welcome relief. Hannah, a mall cashier in Caraga, expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative.
“With the rising prices of basic commodities, any adjustment to our daily wage is already a big help. We are very thankful to the government for heeding our needs,” she said.
Attorney Jason P. Balais, regional director of DOLE Caraga, confirmed the implementation of the increase.
“We are glad to announce to our Caraganon workers that the first tranche of the minimum wage increase has already been in effect as of January 3. The second tranche will also take effect on May 1 of this year—adding another P20 to the minimum wage rate,” Balais stated.
He also urged employers to comply with the new rates, stressing that fair compensation boosts morale and productivity.
“A happy employee will also give positive results. If we treat our employees well, they will surely reciprocate their employers’ favors by doing a good job. That is why we call on the management sector to ensure compliance with our labor laws, especially the minimum wage,” Balais added.
DOLE regularly conducts labor inspections, which are classified as either routine or complaint inspections.
Routine inspection monitors the consistency of compliant establishments. Whereas, complaint inspections are done to verify and respond to reports that reach their office, whether anonymous or otherwise.
He also urged employees and concerned citizens to come forward and share their knowledge regarding non-compliance with labor laws.
“We have several complaint channels made available to the public. Complainants may visit our regional and field offices across the region to air their concerns or to seek clarification on labor-related issues. We also have hotline numbers where they can call during office hours. And the widely used means today is through our official social media pages, where you can send us a message narrating your concern, and we would gladly attend to them,” expounded Balais.
The wage adjustment reflects the collective effort and commitment of public and private members of the wage board to ensure just and equitable compensation for Caraga’s workforce and their families. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
