A pay increase is rolling out across Caraga this January, offering workers a modest lift without fanfare. The adjustment begins small, and its real impact unfolds over the next few months. What matters most is how it lands on everyday expenses.
How Much Changes in January
Starting January 3, 2026, the minimum daily wage in Caraga rises to ₱455 from ₱435. This is the first ₱20 tranche under Wage Order RXIII-20, with another ₱20 set for May 1 to reach ₱475. Over a standard work month, the initial bump adds about ₱520 to take-home pay.
Who Is Covered
The increase applies to private-sector workers across agriculture, non-agriculture, services, retail, and manufacturing. It covers Butuan, Bayugan, Bislig, Cabadbaran, Surigao, and Tandag, plus the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Sur, Surigao del Norte and Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Employment status does not change coverage.
Domestic workers in Caraga receive a separate increase under RXIII-DW-06. The monthly minimum moves from ₱6,000 to ₱6,500 effective January 3, 2026. The adjustment targets basic needs support amid rising household costs.
Food prices, electricity rates, and transport costs have climbed across Mindanao. Caraga workers often pay prices similar to urban centers despite lower wages. The January increase arrives as a buffer, not a cure.
Enforcement on the Ground
Labor authorities say compliance checks will continue through routine inspections and complaint-based visits. Reporting channels include field offices, hotlines, and official social platforms. Anonymous complaints can prompt action without exposing workers.
Exemptions and Deadlines
Distressed firms may seek wage exemptions through the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. Applications are accepted until March 3, 2026. Oversight will determine whether exemptions protect jobs or delay relief.
The second tranche on May 1 is expected to complete the ₱40 daily increase. Attention now shifts to compliance beyond city centers and remote towns. For Caraga, the test is whether higher rates translate into real purchasing power.
