MORE than two years after the last pay adjustment, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Central Luzon has initiated a review of the prevailing wage order for the "kasambahay" or household worker.

In a statement, RTWPB-Central Luzon chairperson Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita said the review will determine whether there is a need to adjust the rates.

"The Board is currently reviewing the wage order for kasambahays in the region so that we can determine whether or not there is a need to increase or update the minimum wage of our household service workers," said Campita.

As part of the wage setting process, the labor official said they will be conducting a survey in selected cities and municipalities in the region to collect substantial data that can be used in their deliberation.

Campita urged the public, including household employers, domestic workers, barangay officials, homeowners’ associations, private recruitment agencies, and domestic workers’ associations, to attend the public hearing.

"We need to get the position of the employers and kasambahays on wage increase, so the Wage Board will be guided in policy decision-making,” said Campita.

Under Wage Order No. RBIII-DW-01 issued in 2017, the minimum wage for kasambahays in chartered cities and first class municipalities in Central Luzon or Region 3 is P4,000.

The minimum wage in other municipalities in Central Luzon is P3,500.

Central Luzon region covers the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, as well as the cities of Angeles, Balanga, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Malolos, Munoz, Olongapo, Palayan, San Fernando, San Jose, San Jose del Monte, and Tarlac. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)