The approved Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 4 of Antique, amounting to PHP1.3 billion, prioritizes the installation of the solar photovoltaic system in barangay halls, municipal halls, and schools in off-grid areas.
Antique Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) acting head Bienvenido Nallos, Jr., on Tuesday, said they are preparing Supplemental Budget No. 2 to bankroll the projects in the SAIP No. 4 approved by the Provincial Board during its regular session on Monday.
Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr., who sponsored the ordinance adopting the SAIP, said barangay halls in the 589 villages, except Semirara, will be allocated PHP600 million. The 17 municipalities, except the town of Caluya, will have PHP60 million in financial assistance.
Barangay Semirara and Caluya have their share of the national wealth or tax paid by the Semirara Coal Mining and Power Corporation so they no longer need assistance for the solar photovoltaic system.
Public schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Antique in the off-grid areas will also be allocated PHP150 million.
“As to the number and school beneficiaries, the DepEd will be the ones to identify giving priority to those really in need,” Sumande said in an interview.
The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) will have PHP3 million for its solar photovoltaic system.
Other items included in the SAIP are the construction of the reinforced concrete retaining wall with PHP400,000 and a box culvert amounting to PHP15 million at the resettlement site of the National Housing Authority at Barangay Lugta, Laua-an, aimed to prevent flooding in the housing project. (PNA)
