ANTIQUE – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon S. Garin has praised the Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (PEPS) Program, a flagship initiative of Gov. Paolo Everardo S. Javier that eases the burden of electricity costs for thousands of Antiqueño households.
Garin’s commendation came after Gov. Javier posted on social media photos of actual electric bills already reflecting a P500 deduction starting this August. In response, the DOE chief wrote, “Bravo!” acknowledging the immediate impact of the program on the lives of ordinary residents.
The PEPS Program, anchored on Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-418, provides a P500 non-cash subsidy directly deducted from the monthly bills of qualified residential consumers in Antique. It was signed into effect by Gov. Javier on August 1 following approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on July 21. Funding for the program comes from the province’s share of the National Wealth Fund as provided under the Local Government Code.
For its initial rollout from August to December 2025, all active and non-disconnected residential consumers included in the verified masterlist of the Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO) as of June 2025 are entitled to the subsidy. Those who processed new applications, reconnections, or account name changes after July 1, 2025 will be covered beginning January 2026. Commercial and industrial establishments, government institutions, and consumers with arrears or violations are excluded.
The program ensures that households with bills less than P500 will pay nothing for the month, while those with higher charges will only settle the balance after the subsidy. Gov. Javier emphasized that PEPS is part of his administration’s 4E’s mantra of governance — efficient, effective, economical, and with empathy.
“This initiative provides immediate and tangible relief to every Antiqueño household,” Javier said, noting that the program reflects his commitment to prioritize the welfare of his constituents.
With Garin’s support, the provincial government hopes that PEPS will serve as a model for other provinces on how to maximize their National Wealth Fund shares to directly benefit their people./PN
