MANILA – The Korea Export-Import Bank has concurred on the contract agreement between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. for the construction of the P11.2-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) Phase II in Calinog, Iloilo, according to Ilonggo Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon.
“This is an early Christmas gift for the Ilonggos. They believe in this project and have been very vocal in their support,” Drilon said yesterday.
Soon, he said, “we will see one of the biggest dams in the country.”
The project will benefit the economy and eco-tourism industry, and generate jobs, added Drilon.
In a letter sent to NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya, Hye-Young, director of Asia Team 2 of KEXIM bank, confirmed the concurrence.
“We kindly notify you that the subject contract has been approved by us in accordance with Section 6.03 of the General Terms and Conditions Applicable to EDCF Loan Agreement,” read part of the letter.
He added: “We also request NIA for its continuous support for the monitoring of environment and social requirements during the construction phase of the project.”
The project was initiated by Drilon in April 2011. He met with the Korean government for the funding requirement.
Once completed, the first large-scale reservoir dam outside of Luzon will provide uninterrupted irrigation water supply to 32,000 hectares of farmland, benefit more than 24,000 farmers and increase annual production of rice to 300,000 metric tons from 140,000 in Iloilo.
The project will also generate approximately 17,000 local jobs equivalent to P1.3 billion in basic wages per year.
JRMP II includes the construction of 109-meter Jalaur high dam; 38.5-meter afterbay dam; 10-meter Alibunan catch dam; 80.74-kilometer high line canal; generation of new areas for irrigation; and rehabilitation of existing irrigation system.
JRMP II was first implemented by NIA in the 1960s after the fourth Congress passed Republic Act 2651, which provided for the construction of the JRMP in Iloilo. Its first phase was completed in 1980s but its second phase was derailed for over five decades due to lack of funds./PN
