ANTIQUE – The Provincial Government of Antique’s much-awaited Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (PEPS) program has finally taken effect this August, bringing relief to thousands of households as a P500 deduction appeared in their electric bills.
Gov. Paolo S. Javier expressed satisfaction that the subsidy, funded by the provincial government and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is now being felt by Antiqueños.
“I am glad that the program is being implemented for residential customers. This P500 reduction can go a long way in helping families buy milk, medicine, food, and school supplies for their children,” Javier said, thanking the Provincial Board for approving the initiative.
The subsidy was reflected in the August billing cycle of the Antique Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANTECO), with many consumers posting their bills online to show their gratitude.
Kinaray-a writer Alex Delos Santos shared on Facebook: “The provincial electric power subsidy (PEPS) is real. Thank you, Papa P. Good things could be done.”
For Niña, a carinderia owner from Barangay Madrangca in San Jose de Buenavista, the deduction resulted in a zero balance.
“Thank you very much to the governor because this is a big help to us, especially to the poor,” she said.
Other netizens echoed similar appreciation, praising the initiative as a first in the province under Gov. Javier’s leadership.
However, not all consumers enjoyed the same benefit. Some took to social media to complain that no deduction appeared on their bills despite having residential accounts with ANTECO.
ANTECO has since advised member-consumers to visit their office for clarifications or billing concerns.
Despite the mixed reactions, many Antiqueños welcomed the subsidy as a timely relief amid rising household expenses, with hopes that the program will continue in the months ahead./PN
