ANTIQUE – A new program designed to help provincial government employees meet their basic needs has been launched through a partnership between the Antique Provincial Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (APGEMPC) and the United Provincial Government Employees of Antique (UPGEA).
The two organizations formalized the initiative with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by APGEMPC Manager Remy G. Muescan and UPGEA President Ma. Lourdes H. Fortaleza on Thursday, September 11.
Under the agreement, qualified UPGEA members may avail themselves of grocery loans worth up to P1,500 per month, payable through payroll deduction, over-the-counter payments, or other secured collection schemes. Once balances are settled, members can re-avail the loan under a revolving system.
The Grocery Loan Program aims not only to improve the financial stability of capitol employees but also to ensure steady access to essentials such as rice and other food items. It likewise supports local rice farmers and agri-cooperatives in Antique, promoting food security and economic activity in the province.
“This is really more of an assistance kun habus-habus para may alternative lang bul-an ang UPGEA members sa basic needs, especially rice and groceries,” Fortaleza said, noting that while the cooperative may earn some profit, the program’s primary goal is to ease the burden on employees.
Under the MOA, APGEMPC will handle procurement, storage, and distribution of goods, while UPGEA will manage borrower qualifications, salary deductions, and grievance mechanisms. Accountability measures include sanctions for late payments, disqualification for repeat defaulters, and dispute resolution through a joint grievance committee, mediation, or arbitration.
The program takes effect immediately and will run for one year, subject to renewal and periodic review. Interested members must fill out a UPGEA Grocery Loan Program Borrower’s Assistance Form, which will be distributed in offices, and present it at the APGEMPC Grocery Store./PN
