CEBU CITY — A labor leader has voiced strong disappointment over the recent wage increase announced by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB 7), calling it insufficient considering the region's economic growth.Jaime Paglinawan, chair of Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno, criticized the approved wage hike, dismissing it as mere 'sinsilyo' or loose change.In an interview with The Manila Times on Wednesday, Paglinawan said that the minimal adjustment does little to alleviate the ongoing struggles of workers, more so in the face of rising cost of basic commodities.Paglinawan believes that the business sector in Central Visayas, which he said has profited significantly from the region's robust economy, can implement a 'more reasonable wage increase.'He pointed out that Central Visayas, the fastest-growing economy in the country with 7.3 percent growth rate in 2023, boasts a gross regional domestic product of P1.38 trillion, driven largely by the service sector.Despite this economic prosperity, he said workers have not seen a corresponding improvement in their wages. Paglinawan said that the current wage hike does not reflect the region's economic reality, leaving workers struggling to meet basic needs.The new wage order, which becomes effective on October 2, will raise daily wages by P33 to P43.In Class A areas, which include major cities such as Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay, the minimum wage will increase to P501 per day, up from the previous P458 to P468 range.For Class B areas like Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Bais, and Toledo, daily wages will increase to P463, while workers in Class C municipalities will receive wages of P453 per day.RTWPB 7 introduced the wage hike to help workers manage inflation and the rising cost of living. However, Paglinawan argues that the increase falls short, saying that it barely covers a family's basic needs.While the adjustment is expected to benefit around 1.2 million minimum wage earners in Central Visayas, labor advocates continue to push for more significant increases, asserting that workers deserve a greater share of the region's economic gains.