Antique: The Antique provincial board approved on first reading Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 3 amounting to PHP1.8 billion for the provincial electric power subsidy (PEPS) during its first regular session on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the SAIP No. 3 was approved unanimously by the provincial board to support the request of Governor Paolo Everardo Javier. Board Member Karmila Rose Dimamay, chair of the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, stated in an interview that this substantial amount is earmarked to provide a PHP500 monthly subsidy to 169,786 registered residential electricity consumers over the next 17 months.

Dimamay further mentioned that the provincial board has invited the Provincial Development Officer and general managers of the Antique Electric Cooperative and Aklan Electric Cooperative as resource persons for their regular session next week to discuss the significance of the PEPS. The board is optimistic that the subsidy will be rolled out by next month.

She emphasized that the savings from the PEPS could allow households to purchase essential items like rice, directly benefiting low-income families in the province. Dimamay also noted that the PHP1.8 billion will come from the national wealth share allocated to the province for 2023-2024.