Minimum wage
By kquiming
@kquiming (2997)
Philippines
August 25, 2010 9:09pm CST
I was a bit shocked to find out that the provincial rate for minimum wage is around 230 or 260 a day... I mean come on, really ??? Can anyone really live a decent life with that kind of salary? (Take note, I used the word decent). It's barely possible...almost impossible. If you or a family member is in perfect health condition, then you're lucky you get to cut the medical expenses. If you're not sending any kids to school, then it's much easier to get by financially. Any comments??
18 responses
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
26 Aug 10
I am assuming you mean at that rate per hour. Surely if so that is no absolute way. However sometimes a paycheck is better than none. 
@vgbantilan (1)
•
26 Aug 10
yes agree i here in the philippines it for an 8 hr job but 260 is better if you just know how to prioritize your needs
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
26 Aug 10
Hi kquiming,
It is insane for any government to think that their citizens can live a decent life by allowing the companies to pay them minimum wages. If there are children, then it is equal difficult to survive. If you are only taking care of yourself, you can do better, if you budget very carefully.
In order to make ends met, some people have to get second jobs that also pays them minimum wages with no real benefits such as, medical benefits, or retirement packets. It is a sad way to live, but it is reality.
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
I couldn't agree more with your thinking. I wonder why the government even allow that..it doesn't make much difference whether we're talking about provincial minimum wage or metro manila minimum wage --- because as mentioned in previous posts, the cost of living in manila is higher than in the province, so in a way it is equalized (I don't know what English word to use hehe, but I'm sure you got my point, right?) .
The sadder part is, some people resort into committing crimes for the sake of meeting their families' needs. That explains why poverty = higher crime rate.
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
30 Aug 10
Hi k,
Unfortunately, when people are hungry and have not money to support themselves or their loved ones, they will commit a crime, such as robbery or businesses or individuals. Sometimes, those crimes are serious and/or deadly.
I am a socioloy major, and this is the exact topic of discussion in my last class.The crimes that are committed sometimes has to do with the conditions of life instead of the individual themselves.
In any case,it is all too sad.
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
230-260 is the rate for an 8 hour work at the province. This is true, I actually experienced it. Then I went back to Manila after. I think that is not fair. People work really hard and that is what they earn. It's not enough if your a big family with kids to send to school. I have a friend who works in a government dept in Batangas. She says that whatever she earns it just goes to the rent and food. She doesn't have spare money. This is really sad and unfair.
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
27 Aug 10
That is so true, my mom told me that in a month, the minimum wage is Php 10,500. Let's just say that I'm earning that much. I have to eat, lets say, Php 80 for food. Transportation is Php 7 in the jeepney, 11 in the bus(depends on how far). Let's just say 7+15=22, back and forth that will be 44. You have to buy foods for your family, pay bills, send kids to school. If your husband, earns the same amount, everything will be = POOR LIFE. You'll end up not saving that much. That is what you get for living in a city. I'm still single, but from my previous work, Php 2,000 is left in my money a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
Yup..... here in Baguio that's the current rate. It's anywhere between 235 to 260 and it sucks.... LoL..... the good thing here is that food is much cheaper, but still that doesn't make any difference... In manila the rate may be higher, but cost of living is also higher...so it's still minimum at its simplest sense.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
If you compare someone whose getting a provincial rate against someone who is getting an NCR rate, chances are the former is more better of than the latter. Reason is in the lifestyle. People in the provincial areas don't have to spend as much compared to those who are in the NCR. One reason i can think that eases the burden on those living in the provinces is the accessibility to cheap lodging accommodations. I remember one time going home to the province several years ago that an entire apartment costs around P 1,500 a month compared to the p 1,500 single room that i was renting that time in metro manila. The cost went up already since that was well over 10 years ago. People in Metro Manila spend more on their lodging needs than those living in the provinces. So lucky are those who have their own homes since it eases a lot of burden on their expenses.
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
True... it's not exactly about comparisons, I wouldn't mind having an even lower rate IF the cost of living is only proportional to what we earn. Cost of living in the provincial area is way cheaper than city living, but chances are, it's still difficult to survive if one is just earning the minimum rate. UNless, as you've mentioned, they don't rent. It could be easier that way. But still not enough I guess.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
Guess what? my sister lives now in the province i on the other is here in Manila. I earn more than she does as far as salary is conernced but know, she got a car she got a house and lot she was able to buy a farm, her kids goes to private schools... while i still ask her for help on occasions.
@melmabb (579)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
Yes,minimum wage varies in Provinces ,and that is true,but the cost of Living differs from that Rate, if you live in a City,then it is not enough,i Lived in a Province and we live a decent Life,much more than the city dwellers,we have our gardens full of various Vegetables,and we harvest it Free.we drink our juices from coconut, we make our salad from our gardens, well the difference is that in the city you eat the same but with some money from pockets and it is expensive..i just don't understand why some "probinsyana" or folks living in a Province,like to live in a crowded City,Where Hopes remains to be Hopes,while Living in a Province is much more decent then Living in the City..Well to some rich, i think my comment would be negative...Minimum wage yes it is Low but,things can be Manage and adjust.still you will live a decent Life...
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
Yes, in provinces if you own your house and you don't pay rent, you can still live a life decent enough to call decent because you'll still have enough to eat and drink. But the reality is, the life we live now doesn't just involve eating and drinking...we need education, we have medical bills to pay, eventually we'll have more kids... I've never been fond of living in Manila before, but I didn't have a choice. The job opportunities and good universities are located there. I can understand why some people choose to live there -- but some people's thinking and attitude are just plain wrong ---- they think Manila is something they could brag about. FYI I'm living in Baguio City now. It's like a combination of Manila and the provincial life. The minimum wage here is 260 a day... AND NO it's not enough to pay the cheapest rent, the food on my table, my education, my doctors' fee, etc etc.... Sadly I still have to depend on my parents' given allowance. I should be ashamed because I'm 24.
@boymelvs (138)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
yes the minimum wage,(take note) at province is Php.260/day but its way back 2006 or 2007. my last job minimum wages when im in the Philippines during 2009 is already php 302 so i think your are late to heard that news. and yes php 260 is very small amount this year 2010 compare on year 2006 especially if you are living in manila. but if your living in the province an average income of 300/day is enough to cover your expenses since cost of living in the province is much cheaper than in manila..
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
The minimum wage here in Baguio is 235 to 260 a day. It's actually 235 pesos plus 25 pesos (I forgot what they call the 25 pesos for). I don't think I'm "late" hearing the news cause that's my current salary now......hehe. 300 a day MAY be enough in the province if one didn't have a family to feed. I have a kid and I know how much the cheapest milk costs, diapers, vaccination, other medical fees or bills, and education fees.
@hari1111 (238)
• New Zealand
26 Aug 10
It is sad because in the philippines we are subjected to such low minimum wage rates. Here in New Zealand the minimum wage is at a fair 12.50 but people still complain!
I always tell myself "If only they knew how some people in this world barely even make $1 an hour!"
I don't even think 260 is enough for going to the doctor. Imagine buying rice for a family of 6, and the ulam (main dish) sending the kids to school, commuting if applicable, cloths and the like.
It is a sad reality we all face i guess.
@LaadieGerald (138)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
this is the Philippines. earning that kind of money is just normal, unfortunately. i guess people have to learn to tighten their belts for a change.
@laniekins (4579)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
Yes, it's true, poor province, I don't understand why they have lower the wages in that area. I mean how can this people make a decent living as you said? Me, I am working somewhere in Alabang and I only earn less than minimum wage for Metro Manila. I really don't know how can I tighten my budget, I am single but I can't even give my self a good life. I can't buy things that I NEED, you know girls needs a lot of things. I hope this change, in the end it is still consumer, simple people who suffer much. How can poor people get out of poverty if what they earn is not enough for everyday living, my gosh!
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
We have the same thoughts. Yeah, that's why I can't blame myself and the others , for wanting to get out of this country...and have a better life. I don't need a super luxurious lifestyle, but I want to have "enough". For everything and everyone. Not just for myself.
@davenhearst (327)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
if income is earning only minimum wage it's hard to budget for a family person and I'm sure it's not really enough for them
@mikaela8132000 (144)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
honestly my bro in law salary is more worst i guess he earn 35 peso per hour
in some famous restaurat here in dasmarinas cavite. and he just working for 4 to 6 hours they got 2 kids one still using diaper and drinking milk it really hard for them going to work will cost them more too .. what a life
@jhyan007 (467)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
....it's sad indeed, but that is a fact that we have to face...although we can say it's better than nothing but still, it's not enough to sustain our daily needs...maybe the government should look into this situation closely rather than focusing on other issues that is less important than this..plus the fact that Philippines is one of the major countries with the biggest population, how do you think we can work things out with just that amount?..really, quite surprising how most of us manage to do that...well what can we say, this is how it works here in the Philippines, no doubt why many filipinos prefer working abroad....:(
@kquiming (2997)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
very well said....
i myself would prefer staying some place abroad... where food and other basic commodities are affordable.
actually, most goods are always cheaper here in the Philippines if we're talking about the monetary worth of the goods, but it feels "cheaper" there, because the salary is well proportioned with the price of commodities...so it becomes affordable, and doesn't seem "expensive".
@mik333 (2)
• India
26 Aug 10
Yes, I agree that a person cannot lead a life decently if he crosses his limits that too in recession times. But my openion is that a person should learn how to utilise his earnings for better living. for example to cut off his medical expenses he should maintain his health by taking good food and utilising nature or maintaining timetable for his every day work. Anyhow a person who lives happily without any problems in his childhood can face problems with the minimum wade.
@fherfher (259)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
If you have a family to feed on and son & daughters in the school, definitely it will not. You have to triple your work, if you just earning the minimum wages. Imagine all the cost of a tuition fees in the University. So that's why many Filipinos are working abroad to give their children and family a better and decent life.
@hoangthanh289bg (1)
• Thailand
26 Aug 10
it's hard for one person can cover all the family.
Such is life!
@silverglint (2000)
• Philippines
26 Aug 10
I think the salaries in the provinces is a lot lower since their cost of living is not as high as it is here in Metro Manila. Food there is a lot cheaper and a lot of family grow their own
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
15 Sep 10
Yes, it is really sad that our minimum wage per day here in the Philippines is that low. That is why many people are suffering and many cannot even go to school. It is really hard to survive with such amount most especially if you have a family to attend to. Worst case scenario is when someone get sick.. It will certainly make life more miserable.
