The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Central Visayas on Tuesday approved the proposed P-18 daily minimum wage hike in the region, potentially increasing minimum pay in Bohol to P356.

The approval was confirmed by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officer-in-charge Cora Monroid.

The pay hike which will cover daily minimum wage earners in the private sector was approved following a final deliberation conducted by the RTWPB 7 on Tuesday morning.

However, Monroid clarified that the adjustment is still subject for approval by the National Wages Productivity Commission.

“Esubmit pa sa RTWPB ngadto sa National Wages and Productivity Commission so isend pa nila sa Manila,” she said.

If approved at the national level, the order will take effect 15 days after its publication in newspapers widely circulated in the region while the implementing guidelines of the order will still be drafted.

“Maghuwat pa pud ta sa guidelines,” Monroid added.

In September and October, RTWPB 7 conducted a series of public consultations in key areas in the region including Tagbilaran City, Cebu City, Bogo City, Dumaguete City and Siquijor.

These were intended to get public sentiments on wage proposals made by labor groups and determine the increase’s feasibility in the region. (AD)