Domestic workers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to receive a significant boost in their monthly pay next year. The regional wage board has approved a P500 increase, raising the minimum monthly wage from P5,000 to P5,500 effective January 2026.
Details of the New Wage Order
The Bangsamoro Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (BTWPB), operating under the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE), gave its official nod to Minimum Wage Order No. BARMM-DW-02 on December 17, 2025. The order specifically targets individuals performing household services on a regular occupational basis.
According to MOLE Minister and BTWPB Chair Muslimin Sema, the wage adjustment covers a wide range of domestic roles. These include general househelp, cooks, cleaners, laundry personnel, babysitters, caregivers, gardeners, and workers in similar capacities.
However, the minister clarified that the order does not apply to family drivers, children under foster care arrangements, service providers, or individuals who perform work only occasionally and not as a regular occupation.
Commitment to Fair Labor Conditions
In a statement released on Monday, December 22, Minister Sema emphasized that the wage hike is part of a broader commitment to ensure just and humane working conditions for all kasambahay. He stated that the ministry ensures fair compensation is paired with safe working environments, which include regular rest days, nutritious food, decent sleeping quarters, and the protection of workers' rights and welfare.
"Employers must fully comply with this wage adjustment and uphold respect and dignity for kasambahay in every household," Sema asserted. He added that the increase reflects the ministry's dedication to promoting social justice for all workers in the region.
Basis and Implementation Timeline
The decision to adjust the wage was not made in isolation. Minister Sema explained that the board considered inputs from both labor and management sectors gathered during public consultations. The decision was further supported by relevant data from key agencies, including:
- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- The Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA)
- The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT)
The new wage order is scheduled to take effect 15 days after its publication in the Bangsamoro Gazette or in a newspaper of regional circulation, paving the way for its implementation at the start of 2026.
This move marks a step forward in improving the economic well-being of domestic workers in the Bangsamoro region, a group essential to many households but often vulnerable to underpayment and poor working conditions.
