ILOILO – This province seeks to reclaim its position as the leading rice producer in the country, with guaranteed year-round supply of water to irrigate its vast rice fields.
“We aim for six tons per hectare. Achieving this will significantly bolster food security not only for our province but also for the country,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. during yesterday’s inauguration of the largest water reservoir project in Iloilo – the P20-billion Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Phase II in Barangay Agcalaga, Calinog town.
The governor reminisced that Iloilo, especially the municipality of Pototan, used to lead rice production in the country years ago but was surpassed by other provinces and regions.
With JRMP II, which will be fully operational next year – more than 40 years after the completion of its first stage in 1982 – Defensor is confident of providing farmers with continuous water supply, essential for sustained rice cultivation.
“This project is a game-changer. It will enhance thousands of hectares of irrigated land in our communities,” said Defensor.
Sufficient water supply, combined with encouraging farmers to plant hybrid seeds, would undoubtedly increase rice production, he added.
Governor Defensor also emphasized the broader implications of JRMP II, the largest dam outside Luzon, noting it would address domestic water needs, particularly for Iloilo City, which faces high water demand.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your presence and steadfast support of this transformative project, ensuring it is fully realized,” Defensor said in his welcome address.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the inauguration specifically of JRMP II’s three major components – the 109-meter high dam, the 38.5-meter afterbay dam, and the 80.74-kilometer high line canal.
In his speech, the President said the JRMP II has three key components: irrigation development, environmental and watershed management, and institutional development.
JRMP II is expected to irrigate approximately 31,840 hectares of farmland, benefitting over 25,000 farmers and significantly boosting the agricultural output of Iloilo and the adjacent provinces of Antique, Aklan, and Capiz.
“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,” said the President.
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 President said 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,” he added.
“From this project, we look forward to working more with you to realize the full potential of Iloilo in agriculture and our contribution to the food security of the country,” Defensor told the President.
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.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
JRMP started in 1960. To harness the power of the Jalaur River for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation, Congress passed Republic Act 2651, which mandated the construction of the mega dam.
The feasibility study was completed in 1976 during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
In 1983, the first phase of the project costing P202.2 million was completed. It covered the rehabilitation of irrigation systems over an area of 22,340 hectares.
Due to a lack of funds and insufficient prioritization by subsequent administrations, however, the second phase never took off.
In 2011 during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, from the Korean Exim Bank the Philippine government was able to secure a $207-million loan.
In 2023, the project received a significant boost under the leadership of President Marcos Jr. During a National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board meeting chaired by the President on July 19, 2023, the board approved additional funding for the completion of JRMP II./PN
