Antique Barangay Captains Push for Budget Approval of Energization Projects

ANTIQUE — Barangay captains in Antique are urging the provincial government to approve a PHP1.07 billion Supplemental Budget, which includes significant funding for streetlights and home solar energization projects. The budget was discussed during the Provincial Board’s regular session on Monday, which failed to reach a quorum due to the absence of several members.

According to Philippines News Agency, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Anini-y town, the need for these projects is acute, as there are still thousands of households without electricity. The Antique Electric Cooperative reported that 13,167 households lacked electricity as of 2022, with projections indicating an increase to 15,000. Despite the pressing need for energization, the proposed allocations for streetlights and solar projects faced scrutiny during previous sessions, with some board members calling for a review to possibly redirect funds to other areas such as livelihood and agriculture. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta expressed hope that a special session could be convened within the week to resolve these issues, or otherwise, the budget might be addressed in the next regular session scheduled for June 10.