NWPC BULLETINVolume 19 v Number 3 www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph March 2015
Executive Director Sy graces Let’s Share the PIE segment
March 2015 News
Summary of Minimum Wage Ratesas of March 2015
Region’s Wage Order Highest Minimum
wage
Effectivity date
Wage Order No. RB NCR-18 P466.00 October 04, 2013
Wage Order No. RB CAR-16 P280.00 February 03, 2014
Wage Order No. RB I-16 P253.00 February 05, 2014
Wage Order No. RB II-16 P255.00 January 05, 2014
Wage Order No. RB III-18 P349.00 November 30, 2014
Wage Order No. RB IVA-16 P362.50 May 01, 2014
Wage Order No. RB IVB-06 P275.00 February 01, 2013
Wage Order No. RB V-16 P260.00 January 10, 2014
Wage Order No. RB VI-21 P287.00 November 29, 2013
Wage Order No. RB VII-18A P340.00 December 14, 2014
Wage Order No. RB VIII-17 P262.00 October 16, 2012
Wage Order No. RB IX-I8 P280.00 June 10, 2013
Wage Order No. RB X-17 P306.00 June 20, 2013
Wage Order No. RB XI-18 P317.00 June 01, 2014
Wage Order No. RB XII-18 P275.00 August 1, 2014
Wage Order No. RXIII-13 P268.00 February 14, 2015
Wage Order No. ARMM-15 P250.00 February 1, 2014
NWPC BULLETINEditor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
Editorial BoardExecutive Director
Maria Criselda R. Sy
Deputy Executive Directors
Patricia P. Hornilla
Jeanette T. Damo
Directors
Elvira P. Jota
Atty. Welma T. Sicangco
Atty. Jamie-Lyn Jamias-Garcia
Jem Samonte
Lourdes M. Secillano
Jerome P. Lucas
NWPC issues guidelines in the conduct of public consultations
The NWPC recently issued
guidelines on the conduct of
public consultations as provided
under Rule III of NWPC Guide-
lines No. 01, Series of 2007 or
the Amended Rules of Proce-
dure on Minimum Wage Fixing.
The guidelines aims
to ensure broad and active
participation of social part-
ners, stakeholders and oth-
er parties who stand to be
affected by the issuance
of a wage order and serve
as a guide in the orderly
conduct of public consultation.
All regional, provin-
cial, and sectoral public
consultations that will be
conducted by the RTWPBs
shall be covered by the new
guidelines which prescribes
both standard and ethical
procedures during the issu-
The Regional Tripartite
Wages and Producti-
vity Board in Caraga recently
submitted to the Commission
for review, its 2nd advisory
on productivity-based pay
schemes covering the plan-
tation industry.
The selection of
the plantation industry
was in recognition of its
contribution to the region’s
income and employ-
RTWPB Caraga issues its 2nd advisory; plantation industries covered
ment growth. The industry
demonstrates strong growth
potential, largely contri-
buting to the region’s 8%
GRDP growth rate in 2013.
The advisory recom-
mends the adoption of various
performance indicators such
as volume of hauled products,
growership and production
and the grant of cash e.g. pro-
duction incentive bonus) and
non-cash incentives e.g. rice
subsidy), for meeting the
targets set for each
performance criteria. The
advisory emphasizes agree-
ment between labor and
management in setting the
performance indicators, tar-
gets and incentive schemes.
The advisory shall
be fi ne-tuned by the Board
based on the recommenda-
tions of the Commission.
Executive Director Maria
Criselda R. Sy and Deputy
Executive Director Jeanette T.
Damo launched the sequel to the
Let’s Talk Productivity segment
entitled Let’s Share the PIE
(Productivity, Innovation, and
Enterprise Development)
during the DOLE Flag Raising
Ceremony last 02 March 2015.
During the launch, ED
Sy cascaded her learnings
from the Singapore training.
Being the fi rst presenter of the
new segment, she empha-
sized the possibilities of
innovation.“There is no short-
age of ideas and inventions
in this world. The challenge is
to introduce these success-
fully to a market; only then
can the idea or invention be
called an innovation,” she said.
Innovation and produc-
tivity were the central theme
of the 30 March to 05 April
2014 training in Singapore
attended by ED Sy together with
19 other senior offi cials from
DOLE and other government
agencies and social partners.
Her discussion focused
on three areas where Singapore
has demonstrated its excel-
lence in introducing innovation,
namely transportation, water
sustainability and education.
In the area of trans-
portation, she cited the ef-
fi ciency, speed and connec-
ance of notice and actual con-
duct of public consultations.
The new guide-
lines also indicate the role
of the RTWPB secretariat
specifi cally in ensuring that the
notice of public consultations
shall have been widely dis-
seminated to the organiza-
tions, stakeholders and interest
groups, and that the consulta-
tions should be documented.
This may be viewed and
downloaded from the NWPC
website (www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph).
tion of its wage order and
in the provision of technical
assistance on productiv-
ity. The one-hour program
ended with both RTWPB
representatives encourag-
ing the listeners to avail of
the productivity training pro-
grams offered by the Board.
RTWPB VII... from page 4
by RTWPB VII
by Jerome P. Lucas
by Jerome P. Lucas
turn to page 4
March 2015 news March 2015newsModule on Innovation and Productivity
pilot tested in Region 8
Another batch of fi fteen (15)
offi cers and technical staff
recently left for a four-week specialist’s
course (March 8 to April 3) in Nanyang
Polytechnic International on Innovation and
Enterprise Development to be held in Singapore.
Representatives from DOLE, NWPC,
RTWPBs, Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Department of
Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT),
Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines
Innovation and Enterprise Development Program Batch off to Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore
Employee welfare programs on stress manage-
ment and health maintenance were organized by the
NWPC’s Administrative Division for the month of March.
With the goal to help employees manage and cope with
stress, a fi lm showing featuring the movie “Caregiver” was
organized for the NWPC offi cers and staff last March 9, 2015.
A blood screening, preparatory to a hepatitis B vaccination was
also organized for the NWPC employees last March 10, 2015.
Minimum wage earn-
ers in Cagayan Val-
ley received the 2nd tranche
of wage increase beginning
January 5, 2015 under Wage
Order No. RTWPB-II-16.
Workers in retail and
service establishments
regularly employing not more
than 10 workers received an
increase in the minimum
wage by P6 to P10, varying
by province. This information
Workers in Cagayan Valley receive 2nd tranche of wage increase
was disseminated through
an advisory to the different
DOLE Field Offi ces. The advi-
sory is also discussed during
DOLE’s technical assistance
visits to micro enterprises.
In view of DOLE’s
developmental framework,
Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.,
Regional Director ordered the
intensifi cation of assistance to
employers to comply with
the minimum wage. As majority
of establishments in the region
are micro enterprises, Rodriguez
further instructed that support
to them must be reinforced to
ensure productivity improve-
ment and sustainability.
Meanwhile, linkages
with the Philippine Information
Agency and local broadcast
media have been strengthened
for a wider information dissemi-
nation of the wage adjustment.
For more information and
confi rmation on any of the
Learning Sessions, you may
visit our website at
www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph
2015 NWPC
Learning Sessions
DO 18-A, Legitimate Forms of
Contracting and Sub-Contracting
DOLE-BLR
April 17
Topic 1: New BIR Revenue Regulations
on Expanded “De Minimis Benefi ts”
(RR - 2015)
BIR
Topic 2: Orientation on Productivity Tool
Box
NWPC
May 14
Orientation on ECC Benefi ts
DOLE-ECC
May 29
Topic 1: Orientation on NCR-Wage Order
RTWPB-NCR
Topic 2: Gainsharing Program
NWPC
June 19
Correcting Wage Distortion
NWPC
July 19
Occupational, Safety and Health
DOLE-OSHC
August 19
Post Employment and Other Related
Concerns
DOLE-Legal Service
September 18
Tax Exemption for Minimum Wage
Earners and Other Related Issues
BIR
October 16
Advisory on the Implementation of
Productivity Based Incentives-NCR
RTWPB-NCR
November 13
Labor Standards on Wage and Wage
Related Benefi ts
DOLE-BWC
December 09
NWPC sets stress management, health programs
turn to page 5
The Agricultural Train-
ing Institute (ATI) –
Regional Training Center VIII, in
cooperation with the NWPC,
conducted a seminar-work-
shop on Innovation and
Productivity at the Visayas State
University last 23-24 February
2015.
Around thirty fi ve
(35) participants from local
government units, academe
and ATI participated in the
seminar which aimed to pro-
mote the importance of nurturing
innovation as a key element in
improving organizational
productivity.
The speakers were
part of the delegation to the
Singapore training on Innova-
tion and Enterprise Develop-
ment (Phase 2). Dir. Wilma M.
Patindol of ATI Center - Region
8 discussed organizational
excellence while Director
Noel M. Ajoc of DOST Caraga
Provincial Offi ce focused his
presentation on productivity
concepts, measures and tools.
Ms. Sylvia P.
Piano, Chief of Training and
Technical Services Division
(TTSD) presented the concepts,
sources/drivers and types of
innovation. Meanwhile, Mr.
Francis A. Atangan of the TTSD
presented the Singapore
experience on innovation
particularly on educational
research and interactive edu-
cational tools.
Almost a year after RTWPB-Caraga
issued its 1st advisory covering the mining
industry, the Board assessed the implementa-
tion of said advisory. In its report, the Board
described the common performance and
productivity incentive schemes of eleven (11)
mining companies who have initially adopted
the advisory issued by the Board and for which
Certifi cates of Recognition have been issued.
RTWPB Caraga reviews its 1st advisory for the mining industry
Collectively, the mining companies
have a total employment of about 3,500
workers. The common productivity and
performance indicators were volume of pro-
duction, safety, longevity and attendance.
Incentives given to workers for achieving
and surpassing the targets were in the form
of cash and non-cash allowances/bonuses.
Wage Orientation
on Wage Order RB NCR-19
RTWPB-NCR
Correcting Wage Distortion
NWPC
April 15
March 2015 news March 2015news
Senior Labor and
Employment Offi cer
Henry Kakazu represented the
NWPC in the pre-employment
seminar on “ASEAN Integra-
tion 2015… Talent Revolution
Begins!” at the PUP Quezon City
Branch on February 26, 2015.
Organized by the
Human Resource Develop-
ment Management (HRDM)
students in cooperation with
the PUP-QC Branch Guidance,
Counseling, and Placement
Offi ce, the seminar aimed
to orient the students on the
challenges and oppor-
tunities of the ASEAN
economic community for the
country’s new graduates.
For his part, Mr.
Kakazu discussed the reforms in
minimum wage setting and
industry-specifi c compensa-
tion practices, including benefi ts
given to workers. He also dis-
cussed the mandatory wage-
related benefi ts granted to
workers.
“The implementation of
the two-tiered wage system
is a signifi cant policy reform
which will certainly help tighten
the link between the salaries of
workers and productivity of
workers and enterprises,”
Kakazu said.
Other speakers in the
seminar were: 1) Director
Daniel R. Espiritu of the ASEAN
Division of the Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA); 2) Mr.
Jose Robert del Rosario, Presi-
dent and Training Director of
Lifequest Training and Consul-
tancy Corporation; and 3) Mr.
Allan Joseph Buencamino,
Talent Acquisition Head of
Manulife Financial.
NWPC orients PUP-QC students on salaries and benefi ts administration
The graduating
students also participated in
a job fair after the seminar
proper. Fourteen (14)
companies participated in the
said event including Smart,
Manulife, SPI Global, Hyundai,
and Dell.
Capacity building on Wages and Productivity to reinforce the regional board staff
Last 11 March 2015, the NWPC-
Administrative Division launched
the Labor and Administrative Continu-
ing Education Systems (LACES) with
Minimum Wage Fixing as its initial topic.
LACES is part of NWPC’s
employee welfare program aimed at build-
ing and strengthening the capacities of its
personnel in the implementation of wage
and productivity policies and programs.
NWPC launches LACES with minimum wage fi xing as its fi rst topic
To strengthen the capacities of the RTWPBs in
the implementation of the Two-Tiered Wage
System, the NWPC organized the “Capability
Building on Wage and Productivity/Competency-
Based Compensation Schemes” at the Atrium
Hotel in Makati City last February 23-27, 2015.
Participants during the training were
the offi cers and staff from the NWPC and
RTWPBs involved in the implementation of
the wage reform particularly the second tier.
The training program covered the
following topics/areas on wages: (i) minimum
by: Jerome P. Lucas
wage setting for domestic work (ii) competency
based pay scheme for domestic work (iii) produc-
tivity based compensation (iv) time and motion
studies and (v) facility evaluation. Meanwhile, in
the area of productivity, the concepts, theories,
and applications of gainsharing were discussed.
“With this training, the Commission
expects a more productive and smooth-
sailing work fl ow in your respective regions. This
capacity building will serve as your weapon to
further improve the quality of work that our cli-
ents and the public expect from us,” Execu-
tive Director Sy said in her closing remarks.
March 2015 news March 2015news
tivity of Singapore’s Mass
Rapid Transit (MRT) with
other forms of mass transport.
On water sustain-
ability, innovation is intro-
duced by recycling waste
water from the sewage, making it
potable for human consump-
tion. It is also used by industries
requiring high purity water.
Singapore also built a catch-
ment reservoir to augment
water supply. She added
that this is consistent with
Singapore’s goal to provide
simple and affordable solutions
with social and environmental
impacts.
In her presentation, ED
Sy also stressed the vital role
of education in the transforma-
tion of Singapore into a highly
competitive and developed
country. Since its independ-
ence, education has been a
priority of Singapore, recog-
nizing its dependence solely
on its human resource and
manpower capability amid
virtual lack of natural resources.
As an illustration, she
cited Nanyang Polytech-
nic (NYP) as an “innovative
polytechnic”. The Teaching
Factory Concept, as NYP’s
hallmark of innovation, adopts a
p rac t i ce -and-app l i ca t ion-
oriented training approach that
combines the learning and
working environment from which
realistic and relevant learning
experiences are realized. This
concept facilitates effective
learning in the implementation
of broad-based curricula in the
fi rst two years and specialist
studies in the fi nal year.
She closed her
presentation by emphasizing
that achieving productivity and
innovation is a journey which
begins with awareness leading
to action, and fi nally ownership.
Prior to the presenta-
tion of ED Sy, DED Damo
summarized the re-entry
programs and commitments
of the participants to the
Singapore training (Phase 1).
Filipino Women in Leadership underscored
The theme of the 2015 National Women’s
Month Celebration “Juana, Desisyon Mo
ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa,
Ikaw na!” highlights the Filipino women’s role
in leadership power and decision-making.
According to Philippine Commission
on Women (PCW), while opportunities for
women in politics and decision-making are
opening up, many still hesitate to take on
leadership positions due to reproductive roles,
conservative mindsets and a belief that politics
and leadership are beyond a woman’s world.
The Commission pointed that there are
only six (6) women senators out of twenty four (24)
senatorial seats and only seventy nine (79)
women legislators out of two hundred eighty
nine (289) seats in the lower house for the
term 2013-2016. The 2013 elections result also
showed that only 22% of the total gubernatorial
posts and 18% of the total vice gubernatorial
posts are occupied by women. Women account
for only 21% of all municipal mayors in 2013.
A highlight of the celebration was
a nationwide simultaneous dance number,
joined in by some NWPC staff at the
Quezon Memorial Circle last March 8, 2015.
Spearheaded by the PCW, the month-
long celebration for Filipino women also
conducted online advocacy, photo
contest, forum, media summit and fi lm showing.
Deputy Executive Directors Patricia P. Hornilla
and Jeanette T. Damo spoke before members
of the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service
Contractors, Inc (PALSCON) during their fi rst general
membership meeting for 2015 at the Club Filipino,
Greenhills, San Juan City last February 26, 2015.
While the NWPC Directors were invited as
guest speakers to discuss the 2015 Productivity
Olympics, they also took the opportunity to promote
the implementation of the two-tiered wage system and
Productivity Toolbox to about 50 PALSCON members.
PALSCON General Membership Meeting highlights 2015 Productivity Olympics and Productivity Toolbox
Last February 15, 2015,
RTWPB Board Secre-
tary Grace Carreon and Atty.
Evita G. Mendoza graced
the morning program of
Bombo Radyo, a local
radio station in the region,
as part of its public aware-
ness campaign on wage and
productivity programs of the
Board.
Among the high-
lights of the program
were features of Wage
Order RB VII-18A
which took effect on 14
December 2014 and the
various productivity training
programs under the
Productivity Toolbox.
The guests answered
phoned-in queries to clarify
issues on the implementa-
RTWPB VII goes on air
(ECOP), and Mindanao Alliance of Land Trans-
port & General Workers Union (MALTU-TUCP).
The program which is organized by
the NWPC in cooperation with Singapore’s
Temasek Foundation (TF) and Nanyang Poly-
technic International (NYPi), aims to build the
capacity of DOLE and its strategic and social
partners in nurturing the growth and development of
micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country
through productivity improvement and innovation.
by: Jerome P. Lucas
by: Jerome P. Lucas
Innova! on and Enterprise... from page 2
turn to page 8
Execu! ve Director Sy... from page 1
by Jerome P. Lucas