JRMP remains a flagship project in Western Visayas – NEDA

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The implementation of Iloilo’s biggest irrigation development project continues to be a government priority citing the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II)  as a flagship project approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board based on a list issued by the agency last Friday, March 3.

According to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the project is ongoing with an overall physical accomplishment of 64.5% as of January 2023.

It is expected to be completed by September 2024, NIA disclosed in an earlier interview. The project is expected to operate by early 2025.

Of the three dams being constructed by NIA in Calinog, Iloilo, the Jalaur High Dam which will serve as a reservoir dam is now 73.23 meters tall out of its designed height of 109 meters. It is expected to be completed by December 2023. Meanwhile, the two other dams – the afterbay dam and the catch dam – were already substantially completed.

JRMP II will usher inclusive rural development through the construction of dams and irrigation canals within the Jalaur River Basin, purposely to maximize its potential for multi-purpose development.

The project’s completion and eventual operation will expand NIA’s irrigation service area by 9,500 hectares covering rain-fed agricultural lands in 17 towns from the first to the fourth district of the Province of Iloilo, benefitting an estimated 7,000 farmers.

On top of this, JRMP II will likewise augment irrigation water to the five existing National Irrigation Systems (NIS) with a combined service area of 22,340 hectares and 18,000 farmer-beneficiaries.

With an adequate year-round supply of water for irrigation, the project will bolster rice production to an estimated 338,874 metric tons per year equivalent to a 71.54% increase from its current production of 197,545 metric tons.

Apart from irrigation, JRMP II will also generate other benefits such as hydroelectric power, bulk water, eco-cultural tourism, flood mitigation, and employment.

The bulk water component of the project will generate 86,400 cubic meters or 86 million liters of water per day which will augment water demand in the Province and City of Iloilo.

The bulk water component of the project is seen as one of the sustainable solutions to address the declining supply of industrial and domestic water in the province and city.

Furthermore, the 6.6-megawatt hydroelectric power component of the project offers clean, sustainable, and renewable energy for Iloilo.