C. Visayas workers get wage hike

MANILA, Philippines - The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) yesterday reported that workers in Central Visayas are now getting a much-awaited increase in their daily take-home pay.

The NWPC said the newly approved wage order granting a P13 cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to workers in the region took effect last March 21.

The new wage order mandates that non-agriculture workers shall receive a minimum pay of P295 (Class D), P310 (Class C), P320 (Class B), and P340 (Class A).

Agricultural workers shall get a minimum wage of P275 (Class D/non-sugar), P290 (Class C/non-sugar), P305 (Class B/non-sugar), P322 (Class A/non-sugar), and P290 (Class A, B, C, D/sugar).

Class A covers the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga and Talisay, and the towns of Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Liloan, Minglanilla, San Fernando, or the expanded Metro Cebu. 

Toledo and Bogo cities and the rest of the towns in Cebu province, except Bantayan and Camotes Islands, are included in Class B.

Comprising Class C are the cities and municipalities in Bohol and Negros Oriental. The towns in Siquijor province and in Bantayan and Camotes Islands are all under Class D.

Six months ago, a strong earthquake devastated various areas in Bohol and Cebu and then months later, some areas in the region were also hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

Despite the twin calamities, the NWPC said the wage board still opted to continue with its consultations, eventually granting the additional COLA.