ILOILO – The newly-inaugurated Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog town is only the beginning of what the government has in store for the development of the country’s water resources, according to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“In Bagong Pilipinas, we are strategically harnessing our finite resources, especially water,” he said.
President Marcos inaugurated the largest water reservoir project in Iloilo on July 16.
“We are wisely investing our limited funds in projects that would bring optimal development for the most number of beneficiaries in the most efficient manner,” he stressed.
Water development projects, Marcos said, should not just bring irrigation or potable water to people but also help address flooding, produce food, generate electricity, and develop tourism activities.
The inauguration of the JRMP II water reservoir project, the largest outside Luzon, is a full-circle moment for the Marcos administration, taking place more than 40 years after the completion of its first stage in 1982, during the time of the President’s father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
“I think it is entirely too long that Phase I that was completed in my father’s time, and Phase II should be completed in my time. We should not have waited that long. I think we need to accelerate the process a little bit,” said Marcos.
He urged “especially (those) who will be tasked with the operations and further developments of this project to maintain our sense of purpose, our integrity, and dedication with you always.”
“From the groundbreaking to the completion and down to the daily management, we must always uphold excellence and wisdom with compassion,” said the President.
The dams of the JRMP II span over 80 kilometers with a service area of 31,840 hectares. Around 25,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Its ceremonial groundbreaking was held on February 21, 2013. The actual commencement of civil works, however, started on April 10, 2019, more than 40 years after the completion of its first stage in 1982.
Mega dam benefits
JRMP II has three key components: irrigation development, environmental and watershed management, and institutional development.
The project costs almost P20 billion.
“This should boost further development in the agricultural sector as well as the local economy of the entire region,” President Marcos said.
“In fact, 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,” he added.
A portion of the water from the high dam’s reservoir will be utilized to supply the commercial and industrial bulk water requirements of Iloilo City and nearby municipalities.
The project is also expected to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power, which will help supplement the power supply on the Island of Panay.
“Additionally, it is also proposed to develop inland fishery, floating solar energy systems, and eco-cultural tourism in the near future,” the President said.
Considering all the benefits that the project can deliver to residents, President Marcos said the project “truly deserves its label: Katuwang sa Kauswagan or Partner in Progress.”
He thanked South Korea for the realization of the project through its Official Development Assistance-Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
“Indeed, this venture is not only a symbol of our strong friendship and our long-standing ties but also a reminder of our shared desire for growth and development,” the President said.
As of June 2024, the JRMP II has an overall accomplishment rate of 75.51 percent, with three dams fully completed and 49.05 kilometers of line canal constructed.
The project is targeted to be completed and operational by the end of 2025./PN
