ANTIQUE — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has approved Supplemental Budget No. 5, amounting to P194,201,733.74, to fund priority infrastructure and development projects across the province.
During its regular session on Monday, October 13, at the New Legislative Building, the SP passed the measure on third and final reading. The budget will support projects endorsed by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) that align with the province’s growth priorities.
Among the major projects funded under the budget is the P43-million construction of the Sumakwel Bridge in Hamtic, a key infrastructure expected to boost mobility and economic activity in southern Antique. Other projects include the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and public facilities; water supply and conservation initiatives; health sector upgrades; and livelihood and agricultural support infrastructure.
Gov. Paolo Javier, who also chairs the PDC, said the projects reflect his administration’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for all Antiqueños.
“Para ja sa atun Antique, para sa bawat Antiqueño,” Javier said, emphasizing that the initiatives aim to enhance road connectivity, improve public services, and strengthen essential sectors such as health, agriculture, and local governance.
The priority projects for fiscal year 2025 include multiple infrastructure developments in key municipalities. In Tobias Fornier, projects include the construction of a farm-to-market road in Atioles worth P5 million and a multipurpose building in Sto. Tomas amounting to P3 million. In Hamtic, allocations were approved for the water supply project in Dangcalan (P3 million), a multipurpose building in Poblacion 1 (P3 million), and a hanging bridge in Asluman (P3 million).
Several road and public facility improvements were also approved in Sibalom, including the road in Tabong-Tabong (P3 million), the Barangay Road in Solong (P4 million), the construction of housing units for displaced families in Mojon (P2 million), and the farm-to-market road in Villafont (P5 million). Other Sibalom projects include a senior citizens’ building in Igcococ (P3 million), the improvement of the covered gym in Pasong (P2 million), and the upgrading of the provincial road connecting Villar and Lacaron (P2 million).
Additional projects were earmarked for San Remigio, Patnongon, Bugasong, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, and Valderrama, covering road construction, water systems, and drainage works. Notable allocations include P5 million for the FMR in Gen. Luna, San Remigio; P5 million for the Pangalcagan–Manlacbo Road in Bugasong; P3 million for the water system in Tuno, Tibiao; and P5 million for the FMR in P. Javier, Sebaste.
The budget also supports programs in the health and agriculture sectors, such as the P4-million swine production project under the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, P7 million for assistance to the Antique Dressing Plant Enterprise (SILPRA), and P3.6 million for the upgrading of the Valderrama Municipal Hospital. Additional allocations include P700,000 for machinery repairs at the Provincial Health Office, P2.5 million for the improvement of the Antique San Miguel General Hospital, and P2.8 million for the procurement of medical, dental, and laboratory supplies.
Javier assured that the implementation of these projects will be closely monitored to ensure transparency and timely completion, underscoring the provincial government’s vision of progress that reaches every corner of Antique./PN
