P41 Wage Hike Approved for Soccsksargen Workers: What It Means for You and Your Family

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 5) — Local workers across Soccsksargen are set to receive a welcome boost in their take-home pay following the approval of Wage Order No. XII-26, which grants a ₱41 daily wage increase for private-sector employees and a ₱450 monthly increase for domestic workers (kasambahay).

Approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-XII) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the adjustment aims to help community members keep pace with rising everyday expenses while balancing the operational needs of local small businesses.

How the Daily Wage Increase Works

The ₱41 daily wage increase will roll out in two separate phases to give local employers time to adjust:

1.      First Tranche (₱16 per day): Takes effect on November 19, 2026 (15 days after official publication).

2.      Second Tranche (₱25 per day): Takes effect on January 1, 2027.

New Daily & Monthly Rates by Sector

A Bump for Domestic Workers (Kasambahay)

Household helpers across the region will also see an increase in their guaranteed minimum pay:

·         Monthly Wage Increase: +₱450

·         New Minimum Salary: Raised from ₱6,000 to ₱6,450 per month

Who Is Affected in Our Community?

·         86,815 minimum wage earners across South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City will directly benefit from the daily increase.

·         Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Local board consultations balanced worker needs with employer capacity, ensuring small businesses can sustain operations while providing fair compensation.

All employers across Region XII are required to comply with the new wage order once effective. Workers with concerns about compliance can consult their local DOLE regional or field offices for assistance.