MIWD, NIA partner to tap megadam for water supply

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Francis Allan L. Angelo

Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to explore the use of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) as an additional water source.

The MOU, signed on July 29, 2025, allows MIWD to conduct a one-year feasibility study to assess the technical, financial, legal, and environmental viability of sourcing up to 86 million liters per day from JRMP II for bulk water supply.

“The JRMP II is a landmark government project, and this partnership opens new doors for optimizing its benefits beyond irrigation,” said MIWD General Manager Alfredo Tayo III.

“Through this MOU, we are laying the groundwork to responsibly utilize part of the Jalaur River’s water resources for safe, reliable, and accessible drinking water.”

Under the agreement, MIWD will construct, own, and operate a portion of the high-line canal to deliver raw water to its facilities, including intake and treatment systems for potable water supply.

NIA will retain ownership of the entire canal system, and the MIWD-managed section will revert to NIA after the partnership ends.

Tayo said the feasibility study is expected to be completed within a year, although its exact cost has yet to be determined.

He noted that the effort supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide water at the lowest possible cost to consumers.

MIWD currently supplies Iloilo City and the municipalities of Cabatuan, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel, and Sta. Barbara.

The partnership aims to address growing demand and water supply gaps by repurposing some of JRMP II’s irrigation water for domestic use.

The JRMP II is NIA’s flagship large-scale reservoir project outside Luzon, designed for multipurpose use such as year-round irrigation, bulk water supply, hydroelectric generation, and eco-tourism.

Among the primary project beneficiaries are the municipalities of Calinog and Lambunao, Passi City, and Iloilo City.

NIA has also tapped the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for transaction advisory services, which include project structuring, pricing, and ensuring tariff affordability for MIWD consumers.

“This partnership is a step toward greater sustainability and long-term water security in Iloilo,” Tayo said.