NIA to Tap Local Contractors for Jalaur Megadam Canals

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is seeking local contractors to accelerate the construction of irrigation canals for the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Iloilo, with plans to begin irrigating farms by late 2025.

JRMP II spokesperson Steve Cordero said the agency is focused on completing the high line canal, as well as the main and lateral canals, to fast-track the project’s irrigation component.

“To fast-track works, NIA is considering the involvement of local contractors with experience in canal construction,” Cordero said on Jan. 6.

JRMP II is set to expand irrigation to an additional 9,500 hectares of rainfed agricultural land, supplementing the 22,340 hectares already serviced by NIA.

The irrigation expansion is expected to increase rice production to 338,874 metric tons annually, representing a 71% rise in regional rice yield.

Cordero said NIA aims to complete all components of JRMP II by the end of 2026.

Although President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inaugurated the project in July 2024, key components designed to enhance irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation in Iloilo have yet to be fully operational.

As of Jan. 6, the Jalaur High Dam’s water level reached 187.66 meters above sea level (masl), just 1.34 meters below its spilling level of 189 masl. The dam currently holds 214.60 million cubic meters of water, close to its total capacity of 250.70 million cubic meters.

Cordero assured the public that the dam’s ungated design allows excess water to flow naturally into the river without causing sudden flooding.

“There is nothing to worry about because it is the normal operation of the JRMP II. The reservoir has large capacity, and it gradually releases small volumes of water from the dam to prevent overflow,” he said.

“The release is gradual, so it’s not like we are releasing water abruptly, unlike other dams in Luzon that, during heavy rains, release large volumes of water to reduce the reservoir level,” he added.

Cordero noted that consistent heavy rains from August to October 2024 accelerated the accumulation of water in the dam. In September, the water level rose to less than a meter below the spilling point.

NIA began impounding water at the high dam in May 2024. The agency projected that the water level would reach 189 masl within 13 months.

The JRMP II, funded by the Korean Export-Import Bank, is the first large-scale reservoir dam outside Luzon and a flagship project under NIA’s modernization program.

Once fully operational, the dam will not only irrigate farmlands but also enhance water supply and hydroelectric power generation in Iloilo, contributing to the region’s agricultural and energy sustainability.