The construction of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in the town of Calinog in Iloilo is on track as the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has reported that the overall physical accomplishment of the project is already at 74.07 percent.
As of January, all three dams, namely the Alibunan River Catch Dam, Jalaur Afterbay Dam, and the 109-meter high Jalaur High Dam have been substantially completed.
The agency said that the works are now focused on the irrigation component including the 80-kilometer high line canal and 80 kilometers main and lateral canals.
“With all components nearing completion, the project is expected to fully operate by 2025,” it added, noting that the completion of the project under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will boost the government’s goal of attaining food security and raising agricultural production in the country.
Once operational, the JRMP II, which is one of the 194 priority infrastructure projects under the ‘Build Better More’ (BBM) program of the government, will increase Iloilo’s rice production to 338,874 metric tons per year, equivalent to a 71.54 percent spike from the current production of 197,545 metric tons.
This will be attained through year-round delivery of irrigation water to a total of 31, 840 hectares of farmlands in 23 municipalities and directly benefiting around 25,000 farmers.
The JRMP II is also expected to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power; 86 million liters per day of bulk water supply for the province and city of Iloilo; create eco-cultural tourism opportunities; and will mitigate flooding in Calinog and other nearby towns once completed.
NIA stressed that the JRMP II is projected to expand the production areas of sugarcane and other crops, and usher inclusive rural development through the realization of its eco-cultural tourism, flood mitigation and inland fishery components. (PIA Iloilo)
