Mandaue Business Leaders Advocate for Balanced Approach in Wage Increase Discussions
Business leaders in Mandaue City, Cebu, are issuing a strong call for a careful equilibrium between wage adjustments and business sustainability, cautioning that excessive increases could lead to the closure of small enterprises. The debate intensifies as proposals for a P100 daily wage hike gain traction, putting pressure on both workers and business owners struggling under current economic conditions.
Stakeholder Dialogue Essential for Fair Solutions
Barbara “Bambi” Gothong-Tan, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), emphasized the need for inclusive discussions among all parties to achieve a fair outcome. “The plight of workers is important, but at the same time, we also have to consider the business sector,” Gothong-Tan stated. “There has to be a balance. If the increase is too high, some businesses may end up closing, and that is the easiest option for them, but we do not want that to happen.”
She stressed that decisions must be weighed carefully, as good intentions alone could backfire. “We really need to sit down and talk with all the parties involved to find the right balance,” she added. “We have to weigh things carefully because if we push for increases purely out of good intentions, some businesses simply will not be able to afford it.”
Micro and Small Enterprises at Greatest Risk
Gothong-Tan highlighted that micro and small enterprises would bear the brunt of steep wage proposals, with many unable to survive such adjustments. “Small businesses will not survive with that kind of increase,” she warned. The current economic climate remains challenging, exacerbated by rising fuel costs that further strain operations. “These days, it is already very challenging for businesses. Everyone is affected, especially with fuel prices expected to go up again next week,” she noted.
Maintaining a Business-Friendly Environment for Growth
Meanwhile, Mark Anthony Ynoc, past president of MCCI, underscored the importance of preserving a business-friendly environment in Mandaue to sustain growth and job creation. He credited Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano for supporting investment initiatives, which have helped position Mandaue as an emerging hub for diverse industries. “The mayor and the city have been very helpful and open to bringing in investments,” Ynoc said. “This translates into job creation and contributes to the city’s economic growth.”
Ynoc added that Mandaue aims to expand beyond its industrial base into logistics and other sectors, supported by policies aligned with business needs. “We want to look at the future of Mandaue City as not just an industrial hub, but also a logistics hub and a center for many other opportunities,” he explained. “The mayor is committed to making the city business-friendly in terms of policy-making.”
Diverse Economic Landscape Must Be Considered
He also pointed to the city’s varied economic sectors, including renewable energy, healthcare, property development, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. “It is a wide variety of industries that we can find here in Mandaue City, and we hope they will also be considered in these discussions,” Ynoc added. As wage hike proposals continue to be debated, business leaders emphasize that any decision must strike a delicate balance, ensuring workers are supported without placing unsustainable pressure on the businesses that drive employment and economic vitality in the city.
