ANTIQUE — The provincial government of Antique is targeting the rollout of its Institutional Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (IPEPS) program by June, Gov. Paolo Javier announced.
Javier made the statement during a weekly meeting with Provincial Administrator Atty. Robin Rubinos and department heads on May 4, where they discussed the requirements for the full implementation of the program.
“Utilizing IPEPS will bring us closer to zero billing at ASMGH,” the governor said, referring to the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital. “This year, we will focus on health,” he added.
Under the IPEPS, electricity expenses of provincial government offices and hospitals will be charged against Antique’s share in national wealth. The move is expected to reduce the province’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), allowing funds to be redirected to essential healthcare needs.
Provincial officials estimate annual savings of around P40 million to P50 million once the program is implemented. These savings are intended to support the procurement of medicines, medical supplies, and other hospital requirements, particularly for ASMGH.
Javier said the program was initially planned for implementation last year but was delayed pending consultations with national agencies to ensure its legality.
The proposed initiative builds on the province’s earlier Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (PEPS), which benefited more than 110,000 households. From August to December 2026, qualified residential consumers received a P500 monthly subsidy on their electricity bills.
The PEPS program drew attention online after residents shared copies of their billing statements reflecting the subsidy, earning praise for its broad coverage across the province.
With IPEPS, the provincial government aims to further ease operational costs and strengthen the delivery of public health services./PN
