Kasambahays (domestic workers) in the Zamboanga Peninsula are set to receive monthly minimum wage increases ranging from ₱500-₱1,000, following the issuance of Wage Order No. RIX-DW-06 on 16 April 2026 by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board –IX (Zamboanga Peninsula).

The new Wage Order will bring the monthly minimum wage in the region to ₱6,000 for chartered cities and first-class municipalities including first-class municipalities in Sulu Province (Idanan, Jolo, Parang, Patikul, Siasi and Talipao). While the monthly minimum wage rate in other municipalities in the Sulu Province, will be ₱5,500.

The new Wage Order will cover an estimated 18,984 domestic workers, 13% or around 2,491 of whom are on live-in arrangement.

The adjustment in the monthly wage rates comes after the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) reviewed and affirmed the wage order on 29 April 2026. It shall take effect on 20 May 2026, or 15 days after its publication on 04 May 2026.

Prior to the issuance, RTWPB-IX conducted a public hearing, and rolled out surveys with domestic workers across the Zamboanga Peninsula, in coordination with Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), and various associations. The increase considered the results of these activities, as well as the needs of domestic workers and their families, the employers’ capacity to pay, and the existing socio-economic conditions in the region.

RTWPB-IX shall undertake information campaigns to ensure compliance with the new wage order. For further clarifications on the matter, RTWPB-IX may be reached through its email address rb9@nwpc.dole.gov.ph.

The last wage order for domestic workers in the region was issued on 18 March 2025 and became effective on 03 April 2025.