PBBM inaugurates Jalaur River dams

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inaugurated on July 16 the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo, which the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has tagged as the largest water reservoir project outside Luzon.

Costing nearly P20 billion, JRMP II aims to enhance irrigation development, environmental and watershed management, and institutional development. With the completion of three dams and nine canals over 80 kilometers, the project is expected to irrigate over 30,000 hectares, benefiting around 25,000 farmers.

“This (project) should further the development in the agriculture sector as well as the local economy of the entire region. It is estimated to help increase annual rice production in Region 6 by 160,000 metric tons, which is almost 20 percent of the region’s annual rice requirement,” President Marcos said.

Beyond irrigation, the project will allocate approximately 86 million liters daily for Iloilo City’s commercial and industrial requirements. The JRMP II will generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supplementing Panay Island’s energy supply. Pipelined plans for JRMP II include the development of inland fisheries, a floating solar energy system, and eco-cultural tourism.

“In Bagong Pilipinas, we are strategically harnessing our finite resources, especially water. We are also wisely investing limited funds in projects that could bring optimal development for the most number of beneficiaries in the most efficient time. Our water development projects would not just bring irrigation or potable water but also address flooding, produce food, generate electricity, and develop tourism activities. The JRMP II will bring many benefits to the people of Iloilo,” he added.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. commended the President’s commitment to food security and agricultural development. “His dedication and vision inspire us to actively contribute to improving the livelihoods of various sectors across the country,” he remarked.

NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie Guillen highlighted the project’s resilience despite numerous challenges. “This is a testament to our agency’s dedication to expanding irrigation development nationwide and improving farmers’ livelihoods. This project is not only a game-changer for Iloilo’s agriculture sector but also for the entire Western Visayas region. Bukod sa irigasyon, ito ay may potential na hydroelectric power at water generation, aquacultural development, eco-tourism promotion, flood mitigation, watershed management,” he added.

The JRMP II represents the first large-scale reservoir dam outside Luzon and utilizes the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) method, which was the first for NIA. Funded partly by the South Korean government through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund, the project strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries. As of June 2024, the project is 75.51 percent complete, with the water impoundment of the Jalaur High Dam commencing in May 2024.

The remaining work focuses on constructing the High Line Canal and main lateral canals, with full project completion expected by the end of 2025.

Local and national leaders, including former Senator Franklin Drilon, farmer-beneficiaries, and the affected Indigenous Cultural Community of Panay Bukidnon, were also present at the inauguration.

Once operational, the JRMP II will expand NIA’s irrigation service by 9,500 hectares, benefiting 7,000 farmers across 17 towns in the province. It will also increase water supply to five existing National Irrigation Systems, covering 22,340 hectares and supporting 18,000 farmers.### Texts by SMHToreno and Photos by SMHToreno & KDCaldina/DA-RAFIS 6