Antique has made history as the first province in the Philippines to implement a direct electricity bill subsidy, giving up to PHP 500 in monthly relief to residential consumers starting this August.

Governor Paolo Javier formally launched the Provincial Electric Power Subsidy (PEPS) program, which will run until December 2025 and is funded through the province’s share of the National Wealth Fund.

“This is our commitment to put money back in the pockets of ordinary Antiqueños who are dealing everyday with the rising electricity costs,” Javier said during the launch.

The program covers all active residential consumers in Antique Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANTECO) and Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO)’s verified masterlist as of June 2025. The discount is applied automatically, with no applications or paperwork required.

Households with bills above PHP 500 will see the first PHP 500 deducted, while those with lower bills will pay nothing. Consumers with multiple meters will receive the subsidy only on their highest-billed account, but family members with separate accounts each qualify.

The measure is backed by Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-418, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on July 21 and signed by Javier on August 1.

“We are using our province’s rightful share of national resources to directly benefit our people – this is what responsive governance looks like,” the governor said.

New connections and reconnections from July to December 2025 will start receiving subsidies in January 2026, while those processed from January to June 2026 will become eligible beginning July 2026.

Commercial, industrial, and public buildings, including schools, churches, and municipal halls, however, are excluded. Disconnected accounts with arrears or violations under Republic Act 7832 are also not eligible.

“Antique is showing that local governments can be innovative and proactive in addressing the daily concerns of their constituents,” Javier added.

On monthly bills, the subsidy appears as “PEP Subsidy,” applied after any barangay or municipal subsidies. Consumers with concerns about eligibility may visit their nearest ANTECO or AKELCO office for assistance.

Governor Javier said the program not only provides immediate economic relief but also positions Antique as a model for other provinces.

“This program demonstrates that when we prioritize our people’s welfare, we can find creative solutions using available resources,” he said.

What do you think—should more provinces follow Antique’s lead in using local shares of national wealth to ease electricity costs?

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