RTWPB-VI conducted a three-day focus group discussion (FGD) to determine the pakyaw rates and other wage practices in the sugar industry in Western Visayas region on September 5-7, 2022.

Almost 100 sugar planters and workers participated in the FGD with Jalasig Sugarcane Planters Association in Passi City, Iloilo; Pilar Sugarcane Planters Association in President Roxas, Capiz; and sugar workers and planters in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

“During the FGD, we found out that the current wage resulting from worker-planter negotiations in different sugarcane production area is much higher than that of the computed rates based on the duly issued Wage Order using the formula provided in the Omnibus Rules on Wage Adjustment,” RTWPB-VI Board Secretary Nesa S. Nolido said.

Results of the FGD may be used by the Regional Board as basis in issuing a resolution for the adjustment of pakyaw rates in the sugar industry and in reviewing the activities in the cultivation and harvesting of sugarcane relative to the conduct of time and motion study.

“There appears to be an imperative need to update the different sugarcane production activities and adj

ust the corresponding rates taking into account the improvements in the industry due to farm mechanization and modernization,” Board Secretary Nolido added.

The FGD was conducted in collaboration with the District Tripartite Councils (DTC) in in Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental.