By Janice Dio-as, OJT/Philippine News Agency
BAGUIO CITY — The minimum wage of domestic workers in the Cordillera region will increase by PHP500-PHP1,000 starting May 1, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the Cordillera Administrative Region (RTWPB-CAR) has announced.
RTWPB Wage Order No. 3, issued last March 12, increased the minimum wage of the sector by PHP1,000 from the previous minimum wage rate of PHP3,000 in cities and first class municipalities, and by PHP500 from the previous PHP2,500 in other municipalities.
“On May 1, domestic workers in first class municipalities and cities in the Cordillera will have a minimum wage of PHP4,000 and PHP3,000 for the other municipalities,” Board secretary, Augusto Aquillo, said.
Under the order, employers should also provide for the basic necessities of the domestic workers, including at least three adequate meals a day and a humane sleeping arrangement to ensure safety.
“The employer shall provide appropriate rest and assistance to the domestic helper in case of illness and injuries sustained during service,” the order also said.
He said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the region will be monitoring the compliance of employers.
Romelda Escaño, Public Employment Officer of Baguio, said there are 180 registered domestic helpers in Baguio. Escaño said under the law, domestic helpers should also be enrolled in the Social Security System and PhilHealth.
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