By Nimfa Estrellado 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (Photo from PIA Calabarzon) CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Minimum wage increases i...
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| 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (Photo from PIA Calabarzon) |
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Minimum wage increases in Calabarzon have been a topic of discussion and debate among policymakers and economists. Proponents argue that raising the minimum wage can help alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living for low-income workers in the region.
In line with this argument, opponents of minimum wage increases in Calabarzon argue that raising the minimum wage could lead to job losses and business closures, particularly for small businesses that may struggle to afford higher labor costs.
Despite these contrasting viewpoints, several Calabarzon lawmakers have offered a compromise solution that involves gradually increasing the minimum wage over time, giving businesses time to adjust and minimize the potential negative consequences.
One of these is 2nd District Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, who passed a resolution on August 14, 2023, to raise the region's minimum wage to keep up with the rising cost of basic commodities and provide workers with a reasonable standard of living.
According to reports, the proposed increase aims to uplift the quality of life for employees in Calabarzon and promote economic stability in the region. It is believed that by raising the minimum wage, workers will have more purchasing power, which can stimulate local businesses and boost the overall economy.
The resolution on raising wages or House Resolution 1172, also highlights the importance of addressing income inequality and ensuring that workers are able to meet their basic needs and provide for their families.
Its purpose is also to urge the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) IV-A of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A to issue an appropriate order to raise the workers' wages as soon as possible.
The minimum wage is currently at P350 to P470 in the entire region, far from the current P610 minimum wage rate in the NCR.
The resolution recognizes the need to bridge the wage gap between Calabarzon and the National Capital Region (NCR) in order to provide fair compensation for workers in the region and ensure that they can afford a decent standard of living.
It acknowledges that the current minimum wage rates in Calabarzon are significantly lower than those in the NCR, which can lead to disparities and inequalities among workers in different regions.
This wage gap can also result in workers from Calabarzon migrating to the NCR in search of better-paying job opportunities, further exacerbating the economic divide between the two regions.
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