Former Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon has credited the past administration of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and the present administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for the completion of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II).

According to Drilon, Aquino III and Marcos Jr., who may be political rivals, “deserve credit for the successful completion” of the multi-billion project in the town of Calinog, Iloilo.

“Give credit where it is due,” he said.

JRMP II’s three major dams are scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday, July 16.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA-6), the project’s implementing agency, said it has invited the President to lead the inauguration.

Drilon recalled that the Aquino administration “moved heaven and earth to secure funding for the project’s second phase, decades after its initial conceptualization in the 1960s.”

The first phase of the project began in the 1960s after the fourth Congress passed Republic Act 2651, mandating the construction of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project. 

“In [July] 2023, Marcos Jr. approved the release of additional funds necessary for the project’s completion, continuing the project first initiated by his father,” Drilon said.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by Marcos Jr., approved the loan restructuring worth P8.48 billion for the completion of JRMP II.

“This is a legacy project that unites political names, and I am proud to have played a crucial role in bringing this six-decade-old vision to completion,” Drilon said.

JRMP II includes the construction of significant infrastructure such as the 109-meter high dam, 38.5-meter afterbay dam, and the 80.74-kilometer high line canal.

Engineer Jonel Borres, NIA-6 manager, said the project “would be fully operational by 2025, which would be a big boost in the nation’s food security.”

JRMP II is expected to provide year-round irrigation to approximately 31,840 hectares of farmland in Iloilo, benefiting 25,000 farmers.

“This will lead to a 71.54% increase in rice production in the province, from 197,545 to 338,874 metric tons annually,” Drilon noted.IMT