Popcom wants next administration to tackle ‘living wage’ for workers

Workers at a medicine factory in the Philippines (AFP FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) is hoping that the next administration will provide “living wage” to workers.

“So, mababa masyado ‘yung nasasagot ng minimum wage para sa needs ng Filipino family. That’s why we’re proposing to the Popcom board na pag-isipan ‘yung pagkaroon ng matatawag nating living wage or a cost of living, a wage that addresses the cost of living,” Popcom Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III said during Thursday’s Laging Handa public briefing.

(So, the minimum wage covers only a little of the needs of Filipino families. That’s why we’re proposing to the Popcom board to think about having a living wage or a wage that addresses the cost of living.)

In Metro Manila, the minimum wage is P570 per day. It is higher compared to other areas in the country.

“So, we hope ma-take up ‘yan sa upcoming administration. Ang tawag namin dito support ratio. That means that we should have as many effective workers as consumers para medyo maging maayos ang situation ng families,” he added.

(So, we hope that will be looked into by the incoming administration. We call it support ratio. That means we should have as many effective workers as consumers to improve the situation of families.)

Congress on Wednesday proclaimed President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Aside from living wages, Perez also recommended maintaining a strong family program, looking into food security policies and housing to enhance the lives of Filipino families.

In 2020, more than eight million individuals have availed the modern family planning services, Popcom said.

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