Is asking for a ₱28,000 salary really too much?

I just need to vent because this is honestly so frustrating.

Is asking for a 28k salary really too much? I have 5 years of experience in construction, and I recently passed the board exam, yet they’re still insisting on offering only ₱25,000. Their reason? Ganun din naman daw ang starting ng iba nilang architect.

My previous salary was already around 25k so I don’t think asking for 28k is unreasonable especially now that I’m a licensed.

What really got me was the HR’s reasoning, She said my current project site is closer to my home than my previous workplace, as if that should justify the salary. She even compared her office job to ours, na araw araw tayong nagssite at babad sa initan. Mind you, it’s a Monday to Saturday job, and they still think 25k is a fair offer.

It honestly feels like they haven’t adjusted their salary offers to match today’s market or the rising cost of living. Prices keep going up, but the compensation stays the same.