In Western Visayas, labor groups say wage hike not enough

ILOILO CITY—Militant and labor groups said the P15 to P30 increase in the daily minimum wage approved by the wage board in Western Visayas was not enough, saying this could not even buy a kilo of rice, which now costs between P45 and P50.

The wage order from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board will take effect after its approval by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, and 15 days after its publication.

It mandates a P20 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the agricultural sector, from P295 to P315.

For those employed in nonagricultural enterprises and in the industrial and commercial sectors, workers will receive a P30 increase, from P365 to P395, for those with more than 10 workers, and a P15 increase, from P295 to P310, for those with up to 10 workers.

The wage order covers private firms in the Western Visayas region, including Negros Occidental province.

‘Insult’

But the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chapter on Panay Island said the increase was insignificant amid the rising cost of living.

“Worse, for those [receiving] P15 increase, this cannot even pay for a [roundtrip fare], amounting to P17, for the minimum distance,” said Elmer Forro, Bayan-Panay secretary general.

Forro said a family of six needed at least P1,400 daily to “live decently.” The amount covers expenses for food, transportation, water and electricity bills, house rent, education and health.

He said the increase was an “insult” to labor groups and workers as they had long been seeking legislation of a P750 across-the-board increase in the daily minimum wage across the country. —NESTOR P. BURGOS JR.