New minimum wage OKd for Davao region

DAVAO CITY – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Davao Region has approved a new minimum wage increase that will take effect starting on December 16.

For workers employed by nonagriculture/industrial/commercial and retail service employing more than 10 workers, they will enjoy a new wage rate of 1340 (1335.00 basic and 15 cost of living allowance (COLA)), 1335 for workers in agriculture sector (1335 and 15 COLA), and retail/service employing not more than 10 workers, with 1315.00 (1310.00 basic and 15 COLA).

It said that the 15.00-COLA granted under Wage Order No. RB XI-18 as indicated in the above wage rates will be integrated into the basic wage on May 1, 2017.

The RTWPB-Davao said no exemption from compliance under this Wage Order shall be allowed.

“However, in case of a calamity, the Board may accept applications for exemption for establishments adversely affected by calamities such as natural and/or human-induced disasters subject to the NWPC Guidelines No. 02, series of 2007 as amended by NWPC Resolution No. 01, series of 2014,” it said.