ILOILO – As part of the preparations for the full operation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog town scheduled for the end of 2025, the Jalaur High Dam reservoir began storing water on May 8.
The 109-meter-high Jalaur High Dam, located in Barangay Alcalaga, has a capacity to store 250 million cubic meters of water.
The Project Management Office (PMO) of JRMP II, in collaboration with contractor Daewoo E&C and consultant Korea Rural Community (KRC), alongside Saman Corp. and Dasan Consultants, held a ceremonial closing of the gates of the diversion tunnel, marking the start of water collection in preparation for the project’s operational phase.
“The initiation of water impounding is a significant milestone in Iloilo’s largest irrigation development project, signalling its transition from the final implementation stages to the preparatory stages for operation. The completion of this project, a long-held dream, is now within reach,” said Engineer Jonel Borres, concurrent project manager of JRMP II and Acting Regional Manager of NIA Region 6.
The 310-meter-long diversion tunnel, constructed around the dam site, was designed to redirect river flow and facilitate the drying of the dam construction site. With the dam structure now complete, the tunnel has been closed, allowing water to flow into and fill the Jalaur High Dam’s waterways.
In an interview with Panay News, Steve Cordero, JRMP II watershed management chief and spokesperson, explained that impounding began early to ensure the dam is full and operational by the end of 2025.
“It will take at least 12 months for the dam to fill, so starting the impounding process now is crucial for timely operation,” Cordero said.
With the start of water impoundment, Cordero noted that the dam’s closure could result in minimal water flow downstream from the Jalaur High Dam. NIA-6 assessed that four barangays in Calinog — Alibunan, Alcalaga, Banban Grande, and Banban Pequeño — might be affected by reduced water sources for domestic use, such as laundry, if the dam remains closed.
However, Cordero clarified that only residents living along the 5.9-kilometer edge of the river, who rely on shallow wells, would feel the impact.
NIA-6 is closely monitoring the situation and has prepared mitigating measures if necessary.
“We are ready with equipment to deepen wells to ensure water supply for affected households,” said Cordero.
The JRMP II comprises three dams: the high dam, after bay dam, and catch dam, all of which are completed. However, the irrigation components, including the highland canal and mini-lateral canal, are still under construction.
The highland canal is 49 kilometers complete out of 80 kilometers, while the mini-lateral canal is around 50 kilometers complete out of 80 kilometers.
The target completion for these canals is the third quarter of 2025.
As of April 2024, the overall physical accomplishment of JRMP II stands at 74.45 percent.
Prohibited Activities in Reservoir, Buffer Zone
The PMO is conducting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns in areas affected by the water impoundment. Residents are reminded of prohibited activities in the reservoir and buffer zone areas, including building structures, farming, fishing, hiking, and swimming, to avoid accidents as the water level rises./PN
