Approximately 201,000 domestic workers, or kasambahays, in the CALABARZON region are set to receive a monthly wage increase of P750.00, bringing their new minimum wage to P7,500.00 per month under Wage Order No. RB-IVA (CALABARZON)-DW-06.
The CALABARZON region (Region IV-A) comprises the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal.
The new wage order covers all domestic workers across the region—whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement—including general househelps, yayas, cooks, gardeners, and laundrypersons. Family drivers, service providers, and occasional or sporadic workers are excluded from this coverage.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), chaired by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino and composed of representatives from labor unions, employer groups, and government agencies, approved the adjustments after carefully weighing regional socio-economic conditions, domestic workers’ needs, and employers’ capacity to pay. Stakeholder consultations and public hearings were also held across Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, and Laguna as part of the wage-setting process.
The new wage rates will take effect on October 26, or 15 days after publication of the wage order. No exemptions are allowed, and employers must pay wages in cash at least once a month.
Under the order, employers and domestic workers may voluntarily agree to higher compensation based on the worker’s skills and performance exceeding the baseline wage. Additionally, employers who fail to pay the mandated minimum wage or violate Republic Act No. 10361, also known as Batas Kasambahay, will face appropriate legal penalties.
In line with the Marcos Jr. administration’s directive to protect vulnerable workers, the Department, through DOLE Regional Office IV-A, will closely monitor implementation to ensure full compliance across all households and establishments in the region.
Reference: Carla Malab
