Four Firms Sign MOU for Jalaur Dam Project

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The National Irrigation Administration Western Visayas (NIA-6) announced that four companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the agency to utilize the components of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo.

JRMP II, the first large-scale water reservoir outside Luzon, includes components for bulk water supply, hydroelectric power, and solar power, among others.

NIA-6 director Engr. Jonel B. Borres said Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. and MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), Iloilo City’s electric distribution utility, have expressed interest in harnessing the dam’s hydroelectric power capabilities.

Meanwhile, Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. plans to utilize the bulk water supply from the megadam.

Lumina Innovative Power Corp., which specializes in solar energy projects, intends to install solar panels along the dam’s 80-kilometer highline canal.

As of the end of September, JRMP II is 72.28 percent physically complete and can generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power, supplementing Panay Island’s energy supply.

The project can also provide approximately 86,000 cubic meters of water per day to residents of Iloilo City and province. Additionally, JRMP II has plans for a floating solar energy system.

Borres explained that the MOU was discussed directly with NIA’s Central Office, noting that an MOU does not guarantee approval of the companies’ proposals.

“The MOU is just an MOU. It does not mean these firms will be chosen by NIA. It allows them to request data that the central office cannot provide,” he clarified.

Borres added that private companies will follow guidelines currently being finalized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

NIA commissioned ADB to provide transaction advisory services to assist in structuring and procuring viable projects, particularly through public-private partnerships.

Borres said there is no set date for the release of the guidelines but stressed the importance of expediting the process.

“The dam is ready, and once a hydropower facility is established by our future private partner, we can start generating power,” he said.

Borres assured the public that the guidelines crafted by ADB will include pricing components.