BARMM approves P50 minimum wage

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has approved a P50 minimum wage hike for all sectors, including domestic workers, under BARMM Wage Order No. 04.

The new wage adjustment was announced by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MoLE-BARMM) following a series of public consultations with labor groups, employers and other stakeholders. The increase aims to provide fairer compensation amid rising living costs in the region.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua affirmed that the decision underwent thorough evaluation and inclusive discussions. “This wage adjustment is a product of broad consultations and careful evaluation. It reflects our commitment to improving the welfare of our labor force,” Macacua said.

The wage hike will apply to all sectors — both agricultural and non-agricultural — and will also benefit household help, marking a notable move toward inclusive labor reform in the autonomous region. The effectivity date of the new wage order will be announced soon by MoLE-BARMM.

Currently, the minimum daily wage in most BARMM areas is P316 for private sector workers. This follows a previous increase of P20 under BARMM Wage Order No. 03, approved last 28 February 2024.

With the new P50 increase:

•In BARMM provinces and cities (excluding the Special Geographic Area), the daily wage will rise to P386 for non-agricultural workers and P376 for agricultural workers.

•In the Special Geographic Area (SGA) — which includes 63 villages from North Cotabato — the new rates will be P391 for non-agriculture and P366 for agriculture.

The wage hike is part of BARMM’s broader efforts to uplift the economic status of its workforce and ensure more equitable labor practices across the region.