ANTIQUE – Gov. Paolo Javier delivered his first-ever State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the new Capitol on October 20, highlighting key accomplishments, ongoing programs, and the challenges faced during his first 100 days in office.
The governor opened his address by revisiting his three major campaign promises — providing a P500 electric subsidy for all residential consumers, ensuring equal access to education, and implementing a Zero Billing Balance Policy in provincial and district hospitals.
Upon assuming office, Javier immediately confronted pressing issues, including the management of the remaining 2025 budget, boosting provincial revenue, and settling hospital and medical supply payables.
He recalled personally leading the medical response to the Pis-anan chemical incident in Sibalom town on July 2, when more than 200 students suffered respiratory problems after inhaling a pesticide. Javier expressed gratitude to Cong. AA Legarda, Sibalom mayor Gian Carlo Occeña, San Jose de Buenavista mayor Paul Joseph Untaran, and health personnel for their swift action.
Fulfilling one of his campaign pledges, Javier launched the Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (PEPS) program in his second week in office. The initiative grants a P500 subsidy to all residential consumers.
He reported that 128,000 Antiqueño households have benefited from the program, with 53,000 paying zero bills.
“Based on ANTECO and AKELCO data, 53,000 residents whose bills are below P500 pay nothing, while 75,000 others receive a P500 deduction,” Javier said, crediting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Vice Gov. Genevive Lim-Reyes for supporting the measure.
By his third week in office, Antique was hit by consecutive storms that affected 400 of its 590 barangays. Javier underscored the importance of “building stronger infrastructure and flood mitigation systems” to address the province’s vulnerability to climate change.
He has ordered a review of all government-funded projects to ensure they are “strategically placed” and announced the phasing out of staggered, multi-stage construction of multipurpose centers.
Javier said coordination is ongoing with Sen. Loren Legarda, Cong. Legarda, and local governments to prioritize projects such as farm-to-market roads, bridges, irrigation systems, evacuation centers, flood control projects, and school buildings.
Meanwhile, the damaged bridge connecting barangays Bacalan and Alegre in Sebaste town was declared unsafe for use. The bailey bridge initially intended for Barangay Egaña, Sibalom will instead be relocated to Bacalan to maintain connectivity between northern and southern Antique.
The governor also announced that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the first-class salary schedule, second tranche, and step increment for provincial government employees on September 19, aligning with Antique’s upgraded income classification.
He said the move aims to provide fair compensation to workers who serve as “the backbone of the provincial government.”
To address supply shortages in hospitals, Javier announced the creation of Padayon Centers in every district hospital. These centers will provide free medicines and medical supplies funded by the provincial government to ensure that patients no longer need to purchase them outside.
He said the centers will be funded by cutting unnecessary expenses and improving revenue collection.
The 2026 provincial budget also includes funds for X-ray and CT scan machines at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) under the Pro-Antiqueño Governance Program.
Additionally, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has been directed to double the daily allowance of Pagsapupo Center wards from P25 to P50 following Javier’s visit with Congressman Legarda.
Concluding his address, Javier urged leaders to serve with compassion, accountability, and vision.
“I have limitations; I make mistakes. But perfection is not what I aspire,” he said.
“What our beloved province needs right now are leaders who act, who serve, and who can think beyond themselves—outside the box, so to say.”/PN
