SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique － The provincial government of Antique has a budget of over P3.2 billion in 2026, a big chunk was allocated for the salaries of employees and power subsidy.

Of the total budget, P997.71 million was allocated for Personnel Services, P1.016 billion for maintenance and other operating expenditures and P1.21 billion for special purpose appropriation.

“We have allocated a big amount for the salaries of the employees of the provincial government as well as for the PEPS (Provincial Electric Power Subsidy),” Board Member Karmila Rose Dimamay said in an interview on Tuesday.

Next to personnel services, the other big allocation was for the PEPS, amounting to P600 million, which is included in the special purpose appropriation.

The provincial government has more than 3,000 employees holding plantilla posts or job orders. This year, the PEPS benefited around 129,789 families.

She said that under the PEPS, Antiqueño families that are consumers of either the Antique Electric Cooperative (Anteco) or the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) could still enjoy a P500 subsidy on their monthly electric bill.  

“Those who were not able to avail of the PEPS last year could already be included next year,” she said.

The PEPS, mandated under Provincial Ordinance 2025-418, aimed to ease the financial burden of the residents because of their electric consumption.

The aid to barangays and the eight district hospitals was also provided with a sizable amount for the implementation of projects and upgrading of facilities.

PNA PHOTO