ILOILO’s Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP II) is a strategic infrastructure investment to significantly bolster food security and economic stability. In our ongoing battle against food scarcity and inflation, investing in agricultural infrastructure is a necessity, not just a policy choice. After all, agriculture plays a critical role in both our economy and daily sustenance.
JRMP II, with its extensive system comprising a 109-meter high dam, a 38.5-meter afterbay dam, and an 80.74-kilometer high line canal, is poised to transform agricultural productivity in Western Visayas. By providing year-round irrigation to approximately 31,840 hectares of farmland, the project will enable farmers to increase rice production from 197,545 to 338,874 metric tons annually. This increase is a substantial uplift in local food supplies and a step towards self-reliance.
The implications of such an increase are profound. Stabilizing rice production directly contributes to controlling one of the major inflation factors. With stable, predictable rice supplies, fluctuations in prices can be mitigated, making this essential commodity more affordable for millions of Filipinos. This stability is crucial not only for household food security but also for national economic planning and policy-making.
The mega dam’s capacity to enhance food production addresses multiple layers of the food security challenge. It ensures that even during dry seasons or in times of drought, water supply remains consistent, thereby safeguarding against crop failures that often lead to food shortages and price spikes. Additionally, by increasing agricultural output, JRMP II supports the livelihoods of approximately 25,000 farmers, thereby reinforcing the rural economy.
However, the benefits of such infrastructure projects extend beyond immediate agricultural outputs. They serve as a model for sustainable development — a way to harness natural resources responsibly while providing long-term benefits to the population. The foresight shown in projects like JRMP II should inspire similar initiatives across the country, especially in regions where agricultural potential remains untapped due to inadequate infrastructure.
Yet, while JRMP II is a step in the right direction, it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Infrastructure development must be part of a larger, integrated strategy that includes investment in technology, farmer education, and market access improvements. Ensuring that these elements work in concert will maximize the impact of our investments in infrastructure.
Investing in infrastructure as a means to secure food supplies is a strategic path to ensuring that no Filipino goes hungry. Let us take the lessons learned and successes from the JRMP II as a blueprint for future endeavors – food security through intelligent, sustainable infrastructure investments.
