NIA kicks off Jalaur High Dam body construction as JRMP law turns 61

Iloilo’s biggest irrigation development project has unlocked another milestone in project implementation.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently commenced the placement of the first layer concrete body of the Jalaur High Dam (High Dam).

This came after the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) and its contractor, Daewoo Engineering and Construction (DEC), completed year-long preparatory works for the dam foundation.

These preparations include an independent Geological Investigation commissioned by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) – fund donor, curtain grouting and placement of levelling concrete.

Also leading to this milestone were the completion of the 310-meter long diversion tunnel, 30.2-meter high upstream and 10.6-meter high downstream coffer dams.

The tallest of the three dams at 109 meters in height, the High Dam is the reservoir dam of the project that will store an estimated of 250.70 million cubic meters of water that will be utilized for irrigation, hydropower, bulk water, inland fishery and eco-tourism purposes.

The construction of the JRMP II dams is likewise a major leap from the traditional dam construction of NIA in the Philippines.

The High Dam and Afterbay Dam will be constructed using the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) method  which is a new technology adopted worldwide as alternative to conventional concrete due to its economic value, high performance, and high speed of construction.

This RCC method is similar to conventional concrete method except that its low cement content concrete mixture is placed by layer and is compacted through the use of vibratory roller until desired density and strength is achieved.

Apart from this milestone, the PMO is also commemorating the 61^st anniversary of the JRMP law- Republic Act 2651otherwise known as “An act providing for the construction of the Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project in the Province of Iloilo and Governing its operation after its completion.”

The date was June 18, 1960 during the incumbency of President Carlos P. Garcia, House Speaker Daniel Romualdez and Senate President Eulogio Rodriguez when the law was passed.

It specifically provides that “There shall be constructed at the Jalaur River in the Province of Iloilo, based on plans and specifications duly approved by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, a multi-purpose project, to be known as the Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project, hereinafter called the Project, for the purposes of regulating and controlling floods caused by the Jalaur River, storing its waters and using them to irrigate agricultural lands in the Jalaur Valley, and generating and transmitting electric power and energy”.

Thus 61 years today, hopes are very high with the ongoing implementation of JRMP II.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to implement and complete JRMP II on time, thus we ask for everybody’s cooperation and support”, said Engineer Jonel B. Borres, JRMP II Acting Project Manager.

Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya is likewise in full support to the implementation of the project and assured all stakeholders that JRMP II will be completed as planned by 2023 amidst the pandemic.

Branded as “Partner in Progress”, the project is a much-deserved and much-needed development for every Ilonggo family.