Jalaur dam project to boost food security, cut rice prices – Drilon

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The completion of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP) II is poised to significantly enhance food security and reduce rice prices in the Philippines, according to former Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Drilon, a staunch advocate for the project since 2011, highlighted its critical role in increasing agricultural productivity.

“The JRMP is not just an infrastructure project; it is a vital component in the country’s quest for food security. By providing a reliable water supply for irrigation, we can boost rice production and ultimately bring down the cost of this staple food,” Drilon said.

The Jalaur’s three major dams are set to be inaugurated on July 16, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to lead the ceremony ahead of his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Once operational, JRMP is expected to irrigate approximately 31,840 hectares of farmland, benefiting over 25,000 farmers and significantly boosting the agricultural output of Iloilo and surrounding provinces.

Drilon pointed to a recent Pulse Asia survey that revealed 72% of Filipino adults consider controlling the rising prices of basic commodities as the most urgent issue for the Marcos administration.

“The completion of the JRMP aligns perfectly with the public’s demand for immediate solutions to rising commodity prices. JRMP can help in ensuring a steady and affordable supply of rice,” he added.

The project includes components for flood mitigation and hydroelectric power generation, enhancing its value beyond irrigation.

JRMP’s journey began in 1960 with Republic Act 2651, but it faced numerous delays until the administration of President Benigno Aquino III secured a $207 million loan from the Korean Exim Bank in 2011, with a government counterpart fund of PhP 2.2 billion.

In 2023, the project received additional funding under President Marcos Jr., ensuring its completion.

Drilon urged recognition of both the Aquino and Marcos administrations for their contributions.

“Give credit where it is due,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of both administrations in advancing the project.

The project is expected to be fully operational by 2025, providing year-round irrigation and leading to a 71.54% increase in rice production in Iloilo, from 197,545 to 338,874 metric tons annually. It will also benefit around 4,500 indigenous people in the province.

JRMP II is part of the government’s ‘Build Better More’ (BBM) program, which includes 194 priority infrastructure projects.

The project’s completion marks a significant step towards achieving the country’s food security goals and stabilizing rice prices, addressing one of the most pressing concerns of the Filipino public.

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

“In 2023, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. approved the release of additional funds necessary for the project’s completion, continuing the project first initiated by his father.”

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Western Visayas, led by Engr. Jonel Borres, has been instrumental in the project’s realization.

“We extend our gratitude to President Marcos and the late President Aquino for prioritizing this vital infrastructure project, which is crucial for addressing the country’s food security challenges,” Drilon said.

“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.”