DOLE approves wage hikes in Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has approved minimum wage increases for workers in the Bicol Region and Zamboanga Peninsula, along with salary adjustments for kasambahays in both regions.

In Bicol, the minimum wage will rise from P395 to P435, implemented in two tranches on April 5 and December 1, 2025, benefiting over 100,000 minimum wage earners.

Kasambahays in Bicol will see a P1,000 monthly salary increase, bringing their pay to P6,000 starting April 5, 2025.

For the Zamboanga Peninsula, kasambahays will receive a P900 monthly salary increase effective April 3, 2025, with monthly salaries set at P5,500 for chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and P5,000 for other municipalities.

The wage order for the Zamboanga Peninsula will benefit nearly 2,500 domestic workers in the region, representing 13% of all domestic workers on live-in arrangements.

DOLE stated that these wage adjustments are part of the government's initiative to review regional minimum wage rates, aiming for greater fairness, reduced uncertainty, and a stronger connection between productivity and wages.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Jose Sonny G. Matula noted that while the wage hike is welcome, the group is still pushing for a P200 legislated minimum wage increase to address wage discrimination.