(Manila, 2nd, Comprehensive Report) The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomed the announcements from Hong Kong and Taiwan to raise salaries for foreign workers, stating that this move will benefit thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and provide great support to them and their families back home.
In a press release yesterday, the labor department pointed out that the Taiwan Ministry of Labor has approved raising salaries for foreign workers starting January 1, 2026. At that time, the minimum monthly wage will increase to NT$29,500 (about US$967, equivalent to about 56,000 pesos), and the hourly wage will be raised to NT$196 (about 374 pesos).
Labor Secretary Hans Cacdac also expressed gratitude in an interview for the recent wage adjustments approved by the Hong Kong government. According to the decision, the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will rise from HK$4,849 to HK$5,100 (about 36,253 to 38,130 pesos).
"We are very grateful for the efforts of the Taiwan government and labor groups in making this wage increase possible. This is a victory for all workers in Taiwan, especially for Filipino workers," Cacdac said, emphasizing that the Philippine government will ensure Filipino workers fully benefit.
It is reported that this marks the tenth consecutive year Taiwan has raised salaries for foreign workers. The labor department also noted that if Taiwan's Executive Yuan finally approves, this measure will further improve the lives of Filipino workers in Taiwan.
Cacdac emphasized that the labor department will also continue to push for more reforms, including annual medical checkups, pre-departure “get to know your employer” video interviews, and the “Kamusta Kabayan” digital outreach system, where welfare officers will regularly contact Filipino workers by email or phone to protect their rights.
In addition, the labor department plans to raise the basic salary for overseas domestic helpers from US$400 to US$500, with further adjustments depending on the situation in different countries and skill levels.
"Our domestic helpers work extremely hard and deserve fair compensation to support their families and raise their children. We will continue to create more opportunities and implement President Marcos’ directive to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino workers," Cacdac added.
Labor Secretary Hans Cacdac also expressed gratitude in an interview for the recent wage adjustments approved by the Hong Kong government. According to the decision, the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will rise from HK$4,849 to HK$5,100 (about 36,253 to 38,130 pesos).
"We are very grateful for the efforts of the Taiwan government and labor groups in making this wage increase possible. This is a victory for all workers in Taiwan, especially for Filipino workers," Cacdac said, emphasizing that the Philippine government will ensure Filipino workers fully benefit.
It is reported that this marks the tenth consecutive year Taiwan has raised salaries for foreign workers. The labor department also noted that if Taiwan's Executive Yuan finally approves, this measure will further improve the lives of Filipino workers in Taiwan.
Cacdac emphasized that the labor department will also continue to push for more reforms, including annual medical checkups, pre-departure “get to know your employer” video interviews, and the “Kamusta Kabayan” digital outreach system, where welfare officers will regularly contact Filipino workers by email or phone to protect their rights.
In addition, the labor department plans to raise the basic salary for overseas domestic helpers from US$400 to US$500, with further adjustments depending on the situation in different countries and skill levels.
"Our domestic helpers work extremely hard and deserve fair compensation to support their families and raise their children. We will continue to create more opportunities and implement President Marcos’ directive to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino workers," Cacdac added.