The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on August 22 that the minimum wage of domestic helpers (DH) or Filipino household workers will be raised to US$500 (almost P28,000) from US$400 (P22,000). The US$400 wage was set back in 2006 under Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Governing Board Resolution No. 5.

The Philippines, through the DMW, sets the wage for DH wherever they are employed, and not the country that hires their service. Based on government data, around 85,645 worked as DH in 2024. However, this only covers those who went through the POEA.

The wage increase is part of the DMW reforms. These include “know your employer” mandating the DH’s employer to hold a video conference before deployment, and “Kamusta Kabayan” which monitors the condition of Overseas Filipino Workers through a mobile application.

According to Migrante International, OFWs have the right to receive a living wage. However, this is hampered by the persistent and growing number of cases of employers failing to comply with contracts. In addition, lower pay and several months without wages remain widespread in many countries in the Middle East and Asia. Thousands of DH have returned home without receiving their unpaid wages.

“This problem has long prevailed, but despite their announcement, the DMW has done nothing to uphold the rights of our DH or household workers,” Migrante International said.

“The proper solution is to raise wages in the Philippines. The minimum living wage must reach ₱1200. If wages in the Philippines were enough to live on, Filipinos would not be forced to seek work abroad,” the group added.