As of August 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines has officially released the Kasambahay minimum wage update, impacting thousands of domestic workers across the country. This update marks a significant step toward ensuring fair compensation and livelihood protection for household workers.
This year’s changes reflect the government’s commitment to closing the wage gap between urban and rural employment and aligning domestic labor policies with national inflation and cost-of-living rates. Let’s break down the latest domestic workers salary PH adjustments, their regional implications, and how households and kasambahays should respond.
What Is the 2025 Kasambahay Minimum Wage?
The Kasambahay minimum wage update 2025 reflects region-specific increases that were finalized following a review by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs). These boards analyzed economic indicators, household feedback, and labor rights groups’ petitions to determine the necessary wage hike.
The updated monthly minimum wages are structured based on the worker’s location:
Updated Kasambahay Minimum Wage Rates (August 2025)
| Region | Previous Rate (PHP) | New Rate (PHP) | Increase (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCR (Metro Manila) | 6,000 | 6,500 | +500 |
| Region III (Central Luzon) | 5,000 | 5,500 | +500 |
| Region IV-A (CALABARZON) | 5,000 | 5,500 | +500 |
| Region VI (Western Visayas) | 4,500 | 5,000 | +500 |
| Region VII (Central Visayas) | 4,500 | 5,000 | +500 |
| Region XI (Davao Region) | 4,000 | 4,500 | +500 |
This wage hike will take effect starting August 15, 2025, across all household contracts, regardless of length of service or existing agreements.
Who Qualifies Under the Updated Policy?
The kasambahay minimum wage update applies to the following types of workers:
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House helpers (yaya, cook, gardener)
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Live-in and live-out workers
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Full-time domestic workers
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Part-time domestic workers (pro-rated)
The revised domestic workers salary PH rules emphasize that even part-time kasambahays should receive proportional compensation based on the updated monthly rates.
Compliance and Employer Responsibilities
Employers are mandated to:
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Adjust wage payouts based on the regional rates
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Reflect updated salaries in written employment contracts
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Ensure proper registration of kasambahays with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG
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Provide benefits such as 13th-month pay and rest days
Failure to comply with the kasambahay minimum wage update may result in administrative penalties or labor complaints.
Why the Wage Hike Was Necessary
Several factors contributed to the 2025 wage hike for domestic workers:
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Rising inflation and cost of living
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Advocacy by labor groups and social protection agencies
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Gaps in regional pay vs. urban requirements
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Strengthening household labor dignity
By focusing on equitable pay structures, the government aims to uplift the domestic workers salary PH landscape and reduce income vulnerability among kasambahays.
Support from DOLE and Labor Groups
The DOLE, in coordination with the ILO and local NGOs, has launched training programs for kasambahays covering:
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Legal rights and wage awareness
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Financial literacy and savings
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Proper documentation and contract standards
This empowers domestic workers to better understand and assert their wage rights under the new 2025 rules.
Conclusion
The kasambahay minimum wage update for 2025 is a landmark change for thousands of Filipino domestic workers. With adjusted rates across all major regions, the DOLE reinforces its commitment to protecting household labor and fair wage distribution.
Employers are encouraged to act swiftly and responsibly to ensure they meet the new standards, while kasambahays should stay informed and proactive in monitoring their pay and benefits.
FAQs
What is the effective date of the kasambahay wage increase?
The wage hike takes effect on August 15, 2025, for all new and ongoing household service arrangements.
Do part-time kasambahays qualify for the updated rates?
Yes, part-time workers are entitled to pro-rated wages based on the updated kasambahay minimum wage update structure.
Are employers required to revise contracts?
Absolutely. Employers must revise written contracts to reflect the new domestic workers salary PH and ensure legal compliance.
Can a kasambahay report wage violations?
Yes. Workers can report violations to the nearest DOLE regional office or via the DOLE hotline anonymously if needed.
Is the wage hike permanent or subject to change?
The updated wage will remain effective until the next review cycle, which typically occurs annually or bi-annually depending on regional board recommendations.
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