BUTUAN CITY (December 20) — Thousands of private sector workers and domestic helpers in Caraga will feel a tangible improvement in their daily lives next year, as the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-13) approved a PHP40 increase in daily minimum wage through a two-phase adjustment in 2026.
The first PHP20 hike will take effect on January 3, 2026, raising the daily wage from PHP435 to PHP455, followed by a second PHP20 increase on May 1, 2026, bringing the total daily wage to PHP475. For domestic helpers, or kasambahays, monthly pay will rise from PHP6,000 to PHP6,500 starting January.
For many families, the increase is more than just numbers on a pay slip. Mark, 32, a retail worker in Butuan City, said the adjustment gives workers something to look forward to next year.
“It may not solve everything, but it will help cover day-to-day expenses,” he said.
Maribel, 30, a single mother of two, echoed the sentiment. The raise will help her meet the needs of her children, including school supplies for her elementary-aged child.
Economists and labor advocates note that even modest increases in minimum wages can improve quality of life, allowing families to afford basic necessities, reduce financial stress, and invest in education or health. In Caraga, where many households rely on minimum wage jobs in retail, services, and domestic work, the PHP40 hike represents a meaningful step toward easing the burden of rising living costs.
While still modest compared to inflation, the wage adjustment reflects a government effort to balance worker welfare and business sustainability, signaling recognition of the challenges faced by low-income families.
As the increases take effect in January and May 2026, Caraga residents can expect not just higher wages, but a modest boost in overall living standards, giving households more breathing room to navigate everyday expenses.
