CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — Domestic workers in Calabarzon are set to receive higher take-home pay beginning March, following the approval of a wage increase by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board IV-A (RTWPB IV-A).
Under the new wage order, domestic workers across the region will see a salary increase ranging from ₱750 to ₱1,750. Specifically, the minimum monthly salary for domestic workers in cities and first-class municipalities will increase from ₱6,000 to ₱6,750, while those in other municipalities who previously earned ₱5,000 per month will now receive a minimum of ₱6,750. The wage increase will take effect on March 7, 2025.
The Wage Board Calabarzon stated that the increase was determined after a series of consultations and a review of socioeconomic factors.
“After a thorough review and evaluation of the results of the consultation and public hearing, existing socio-economic conditions in the region, the needs of the domestic workers and their families, as well as the employers’ capacity to pay, the Board deemed it necessary to increase the prevailing minimum wage rates for domestic workers in the region,” the board stated.
The new wage order applies to all domestic workers, whether in live-in or live-out arrangements, including but not limited to house helpers, nannies (yaya), cooks, gardeners, laundry personnel, and any worker regularly performing domestic duties in a household.
The RTWPB IV-A emphasized that wages must be paid in cash at least once a month, with no deductions except those mandated by law.
Additionally, to further improve productivity, household employers and their domestic workers may voluntarily and mutually agree to implement a competency-based pay scheme, allowing for salary adjustments above the applicable minimum wage.
The wage board encourages household employers to comply with the newly prescribed minimum wage, citing implications enumerated under the Republic Act 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act. (FC, PIA4A)
