The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Zamboanga Peninsula has given the green light to a two-step salary increase for private sector workers in the region, set to take effect in 2026. This move is part of Wage Order RIX-24 and aims to boost the earnings of minimum wage earners.
Zamboanga Peninsula Wage Adjustments
The RTWPB 9 announced that the new minimum wage rates will be implemented in two phases. The first increase takes effect on January 1, 2026, followed by a second hike on June 1, 2026.
For workers in non-agricultural establishments, their daily minimum wage will rise by 25 pesos on January 1, moving from the current rate of 414 pesos to 439 pesos. A further increase of 25 pesos on June 1 will bring the rate to 464 pesos per day.
Employees in the agricultural sector will see similar raises. Their daily floor pay will increase by 25 pesos on January 1, from 401 pesos to 426 pesos. Another 25-peso increase on June 1 will set the new minimum wage at 451 pesos per day.
Mimaropa Region Also Grants Pay Hikes
In a parallel development, the RTWPB for Region 4B (Mimaropa) has approved wage adjustments for both private sector and domestic workers through Wage Orders RB-Mimaropa-13 and RB-Mimaropa-DW-06.
For the private sector under Wage Order RB-Mimaropa-13, the board approved increases designed to create a uniform rate. Establishments with 10 workers or more will give a 25-peso raise, bringing the daily minimum wage from 430 pesos to 455 pesos. Meanwhile, businesses with fewer than 10 workers will implement a larger 51-peso increase, elevating the wage from 404 pesos to the same uniform rate of 455 pesos.
Domestic workers in Mimaropa, such as kasambahays, are also set to benefit. Through Wage Order RB-Mimaropa-DW-06, their monthly minimum wage will receive a 500-peso increase, rising from 6,500 pesos to 7,000 pesos.
Effective Dates and Economic Impact
The Mimaropa wage board confirmed that all new wage orders in Region 4B will take effect on January 1, 2026. This synchronized implementation with the Zamboanga Peninsula hikes marks a significant uplift in worker compensation for these regions as the new year begins.
These approved adjustments are expected to provide financial relief to thousands of minimum wage earners, helping them cope with the cost of living. The staggered increase in Zamboanga Peninsula allows businesses time to adjust to the new labor costs.
