Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Antique will soon gain access to electricity, thanks to two major projects worth ₱125 million.
The Antique Electric Cooperative (Anteco) is leading efforts to extend power to underserved sitios and barangays across the province. Funded by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) and the Barangay Enhancement Program (BEP) aim to improve energy access and uplift the living conditions of off-grid communities.
Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), SEP has secured a ₱100 million allocation. According to Anteco general manager Engineer Neal Peter Veñegas, the program will deliver electricity to 23 sitios across Antique, bringing reliable power to areas that have long remained off the grid.
Additionally, the Barangay Enhancement Program (BEP) has been allotted ₱25 million to power off-grid communities in the towns of San Remigio and Laua-an. “These off-grid areas used to have mini-hydro as their source of energy,” explained Veñegas.
As more residences sign up for Anteco’s electricity connections, the cooperative’s distribution network continues to expand, gradually reaching previously unserved locations. Veñegas noted that some areas once considered off-grid are now being integrated into the main power grid due to their growing proximity to existing electrical lines.
(Also read: Aboitiz Power to Build Solar Projects in Ilocos Norte)
Clean energy drive
Last March, the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) reported its first-quarter achievements for 2025, highlighting its role in facilitating financial aid for 300 barangays. The funding supported the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, many of which are now up and running.
“Nagabulig gid pagpanubo kang mga baraydan kang andang mga kuryente. Kag ang iban gani nga barangay, wara ron gid ti baraydan pa,” (“It really helps reduce their electricity bills. In fact, some barangays no longer have to pay at all.”) stated Nallos.
Nallos also shared that the PPDO is currently reviewing the 2025–2030 Antique Renewable Energy Plan, which will be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for evaluation and necessary action.
The energy roadmap will pave the way for Antique’s shift from traditional sources like coal and bunker fuel to more sustainable renewable energy options.
(Also read: 206 More Sitios in Baguio, Benguet Set for Electrification by 2027)
Hydropower potential
According to Nallos, Antique has existing micro and mini-hydropower facilities that could be further developed with proper funding to boost local energy production. He also noted that the province is exploring additional renewable sources, particularly wind and solar power, to diversify its energy mix.
Green Forum Panay Guimaras CEO Melvin Purzuelo identified several promising sites in Antique, specifically in Sebaste, Culasi, Valderrama, and San Remigio, where existing micro and mini-hydropower projects could be expanded to support the province’s rising energy demands. He stressed that these facilities serve a dual purpose: generating electricity while also supplying irrigation and clean drinking water to nearby communities.
Management of these mini-hydropower plants currently falls under the jurisdiction of their respective local government units.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251375
https://antique.gov.ph/antique-planning-office-reports-2025-quarterly-accomplishment
https://powerphilippines.com/antique-sets-course-for-re-transition-with-new-development-plan