By Eva Abajencia
The premier provincial government-owned hospital in the Province of Antique is in danger of “operational collapse” due to lack of budget.
This was revealed by Governor Paolo Javier four days after he assumed office.
He noted that the budget of Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) in San Jose, Antique is nearly depleted.
ASMGH needs an additional budget of P229,385,478.86 million, otherwise the hospital in on the verge of operational collapse, said Javier.
He added that the approved budget for the hospital in 2025 was Php 248,166,448.00 intended the entire 12 months. The governor, however, learned that during the first half of 2025, under the previous administration of Governor Rhodora Cadiao, a total of P228,423,765.84 was already spent.
This means, ASMGH has a remaining budget of P19,742,682.16 for July to December.
Javier said that he can request for a supplemental budget but around Php 59 million is only allowable.
“We still have to pay the previous Accounts payable as of March 31, 2025 amounting to Php 190,760,582.78 pertaining to consignment of medicines at ASMGH,” Javier said.
He lamented that because of the situation he will be forced to reduce the number of job order workers in the hospital based on the recommendation of the heads.
Javier said he will try to look for other budget sources in order to sustain the operation of ASMGH since health services is very vital for the Antiqueños.
“We have to prioritize our hospitals because this concerns the health of our people, our hospitals should always be ready in cases of emergencies just like what happened to the students in Brgy. Pis-anan, Sibalom,” Javier said.
Meanwhile, Javier said that by August he will start implementing the subsidy of P500 monthly for power consumers who regularly pay their electric bills promptly and who do not have arrears.
Moreover, the governor also issued an order for moratorium on quarry operations in the province.
“There will be no new application for quarry operators, no renewals for expired permits, but for those with existing and unexpired permits they can continue to operate,” Javier said.
Based on the Annual Production Report of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) as of January to December 2024 the Gross Revenue amounted to a total of Php 28,207,995.16 while the total net Revenue share of the Province is Php 10,516,947.66.
