ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Domestic workers in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) are set to receive a significant boost in their monthly take-home pay following the approval of a new wage order by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
The wage hike, which aims to help kasambahays cope with the rising cost of living and the impact of recent inflation, is expected to take effect later this month after its official publication.
The new wage order (RB IX-DW-04) provides for a tiered increase depending on the location of employment within the region.
| Area | Monthly Increase | New Monthly Minimum Wage |
| Chartered Cities (Zamboanga, Isabela) | ₱1,000 | ₱6,000 |
| Other Municipalities | ₱500 | ₱5,000 |
Prior to this adjustment, the minimum wage for domestic workers in the region sat at ₱5,000 for cities and ₱4,500 for other municipalities.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 9 confirmed that the order covers all domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement. This includes:
- General househelpers
- Yayas (Nannies)
- Cooks
- Gardeners
- Laundry persons
The wage board emphasized that the hike does not include family drivers or individuals who perform domestic work only occasionally or sporadically.
In addition to the salary increase, DOLE reminded employers of their existing obligations under the Batas Kasambahay (Republic Act No. 10361). Beyond the new minimum wage, employers must ensure:
- Social Security Coverage: Enrollment and contributions to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.
- Basic Necessities: For live-in workers, this includes at least three adequate meals a day and a safe sleeping arrangement.
- Rest Periods: An aggregate daily rest period of 8 hours and one specific day off per week.
The decision follows a series of public hearings where both domestic workers and employers presented their concerns. While some employers expressed worry over the added financial burden, the board concluded that the adjustment was necessary given that Region 9’s inflation rate has remained sensitive to the high costs of rice and fuel seen in early 2026.
“This is about dignity of labor,” a DOLE representative stated. “Our kasambahays are the backbone of many Filipino households, and ensuring they receive a living wage is essential for the region’s social stability.”