The completion of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo will bring many benefits to the people of Iloilo in the coming years, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, July 16.
In his speech at the inauguration of the JRMP II, Marcos Jr. said the P19.7-billion mega dam is expected to further boost agricultural development and the local economy in Western Visayas.
“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,” according to the President.
“On top of its use for irrigation, a portion of the water from the High Dam’s reservoir, or around 86 million liters per day, will be utilized to supply the commercial and industrial bulk water requirements of Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities,” he added.
Marcos Jr. also said the largest water reservoir project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) outside of Luzon will generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power to help supplement the power supply on Panay Island.
“With all of these, the JRMP II truly deserves its label: Katuwang sa Kauswagan or Partner in Progress. Let this project serve as a benchmark and an inspiration for all endeavors of this scale and of this magnitude. It’s only the beginning of what we have in store for the development of our water resources,” he furthered.
The Chief Executive thanked the Government of South Korea for generously partnering with the Philippines on this and other large-scale projects, as well as the men and women of the NIA who worked tirelessly to make plans a reality.
“While the work to build this project is almost done, our service to the people never ends. I urge everyone 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,” said Marcos Jr.IMT
Photos by Arnold Almacen/CMO
