Kasambahay Minimum Wage 2025-New Rates Domestic Workers

Household workers play a vital role in Filipino homes. In August 2025, the government raises their standard pay to reflect higher living costs. The Kasambahay Minimum Wage Update 2025 sets new monthly rates for domestic helpers across six regions. This update ensures fair compensation, improves worker welfare, and reduces income inequality between urban and rural areas.

Kasambahay Minimum Wage Update 2025

Region Group	Old Monthly Wage (₱)	New Monthly Wage (₱)	Increase (₱)
Metro Manila (NCR)	6,000	6,500	500
Central Luzon (Region III)	5,000	5,500	500
CALABARZON (Region IV-A)	5,000	5,500	500
Western Visayas (Region VI)	4,500	5,000	500
Central Visayas (Region VII)	4,500	5,000	500
Davao Region (Region XI)	4,000	4,500	500

Reason for the Wage Increase

Rising prices for food, transportation, and utilities squeeze household budgets. Domestic workers earn below national averages, despite long hours and crucial tasks. Labor groups and community advocates push for higher pay. The Department of Labor and Employment uses economic data, inflation rates, and worker feedback to justify a uniform ₱500 increase in each region. This step aligns domestic labor policies with broader social protection goals.

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Breakdown of New Kasambahay Rates by Region

The Kasambahay Minimum Wage Update 2025 applies regionally:

• National Capital Region: Rate rises from ₱6,000 to ₱6,500
• Central Luzon: New rate becomes ₱5,500, up from ₱5,000
• CALABARZON: Matches Central Luzon with ₱5,500
• Western Visayas: Increases to ₱5,000 from ₱4,500
• Central Visayas: Also adjusts to ₱5,000
• Davao Region: Moves from ₱4,000 to ₱4,500

Each domestic worker in these regions receives the new rate starting August 15, 2025.

Who Qualifies for the New Domestic Worker Salary 2025

The update covers all kasambahays in private households, including:

• Yayas (nannies)
• Housekeepers and cooks
• Gardeners and drivers
• Live-in and live-out workers
• Full-time and part-time staff (pro-rated)

Part-time helpers see proportional increases based on hours worked. Existing contracts must reflect new rates regardless of start date. Any agreement paying below the new minimum becomes invalid.

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Employer Responsibilities Under the 2025 Wage Update

Household employers carry several duties:

1. Adjust Payroll
   Update monthly pay to at least the new rate for full-time staff or its pro-rated equivalent for part-time kasambahays.
2. Revise Written Contracts
   Reflect new wages, work hours, rest days, and benefits such as 13th-month pay.
3. Register Kasambahays
   Enroll domestic workers with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, ensuring social protection coverage.
4. Provide Rest Days and Leave
   Maintain legal entitlements, including at least one rest day per week and service incentive leaves.
5. Monitor Compliance
   Keep records of payments, contributions, and employment contracts. Non-compliance can trigger penalties and complaints.

Employers should complete these steps before August 15 to avoid legal issues.

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Impact on Household Budgets and Worker Livelihoods

A ₱500 monthly boost brings kasambahays closer to living wage standards. For many, this increase covers:

• Basic food and groceries
• Public transportation fares
• Minor medical expenses
• Savings for emergencies

Improved income reduces financial stress and allows domestic workers to support their families more effectively.

Enforcement and Penalties

DOLE enforces the wage update through:

• Field Inspections
  Inspectors visit households and check payroll records.
• Labor Complaints
  Workers may file complaints anonymously at regional offices.
• Administrative Fines
  Employers paying below minimum rates face penalties and orders to pay back wages.

Regular inspections and a clear complaints process ensure fair treatment for kasambahays.

Support and Training Programs

To help domestic workers adapt and understand their rights, DOLE collaborates with non-government organizations to offer:

• Legal Rights Seminars
  Train kasambahays on wage standards, contracts, and complaint procedures.
• Financial Literacy Workshops
  Teach budgeting, savings, and basic financial planning.
• Documentation Assistance
  Provide templates for contracts and payroll records.

Empowered workers can assert their rights and ensure they receive proper compensation.

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Regional Wage Board Role

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) play a key role:

1. Data Analysis
   Study inflation trends, cost-of-living surveys, and employment figures.
2. Stakeholder Consultation
   Hold meetings with employers, labor groups, and local officials.
3. Rate Recommendation
   Propose specific wage adjustments for each region based on findings.
4. Official Announcement
   Ratify and publish new rates through DOLE communications.

RTWPBs ensure wage policies reflect regional realities and stakeholder input.

Future Reviews and Adjustments

The Kasambahay minimum wage undergoes periodic review. The next update may consider:

• Further inflation adjustments
• Economic growth indicators
• Labor market conditions
• Cost-of-living surveys

Workers and employers both contribute data for future reviews to maintain up-to-date wage standards.

Frequently Asked Questions