MINIMUM wage earners in Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula are set to receive higher salaries following the implementation of a new wage increase approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-9.
By Benjamin Cuaresma
Under the new wage order, private sector workers in Region 9 will receive a total daily wage increase of ₱50, which will be released in two tranches this year.
The first tranche took effect on January 1, 2026, granting an additional ₱25 to non-agricultural workers. With the adjustment, their daily minimum wage increased from ₱414 to ₱439.
Agricultural workers and employees of small retail and service establishments also received a ₱25 increase, raising their minimum wage from ₱401 to ₱426 per day.
Labor officials said the wage adjustment aims to help workers cope with the rising cost of basic commodities and other living expenses. The wage board also considered the condition of businesses in the region before approving the increase.
Meanwhile, the second tranche of the wage hike is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026, which will add another ₱25 to the daily pay of workers. Once fully implemented, the minimum wage for non-agricultural workers will reach ₱464 per day, while agricultural workers will receive ₱451 daily.
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