Calinog, Iloilo
July 16, 2024
“Let this project serve as a benchmark and an inspiration for all endeavors of this scale and magnitude. This is only the beginning of what we have in store for the development of our water resources,” emphasized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he formally inaugurated the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project - Stage II (JRMP-II), the country’s first large-scale water reservoir project in Western Visayas, in a ceremony in the Municipality of Calinog, Province of Iloilo.
In fulfillment of the government’s vision of enhancing the agricultural sector under a ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ the President reiterated the government’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach to maximize the country’s resources through strategic investments that will drive positive development to many Filipinos nationwide.
“We are strategically harnessing our finite resources, especially water…. Our development projects would not just bring irrigation or potable water to our people, but also address flooding, produce food, generate electricity and even develop tourism activities. The JRMP-II will definitely bring many benefits to the people of Iloilo in the coming years,” he said.
The JRMP-II, a PhP19.70 billion mega dam project, is seen as one of the major drivers for the improvement of the agriculture sector and food security, as well as an assurance to further strengthen the welfare of Filipinos, not just in the Region, but throughout the entire country. As it begins full operation in mid-2025, the project is expected to expand the irrigation service area of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) by 9,500 hectares of rain-fed agricultural land. This is on top of the existing 22,340 hectares being serviced by the Agency.
Around 25,000 farmers from across the 23 towns and two (2) cities in the Province of Iloilo will benefit from the JRMP-II. A boost in rice production is anticipated to soar at an estimated 338,874 metric tons per year, which is 71.54 percent higher compared to its current production of 197,545 metric tons. This is also projected to promote other beneficial activities in the region such as bulk water supply, hydroelectric power, inland fishery and eco-tourism, among many others.
The Chief Executive also recognized the efforts and dedication extended by NIA in building the JRMP-II, acknowledging the partnership formed by the government with the Republic of Korea in making this milestone possible.
“While the work to build this project is almost done, our service to the people never ends… I urge everyone who will be tasked with the operations of this project to maintain a sense of purpose, integrity and dedication with you always. From the groundbreaking to the completion and down to the daily management, we must always uphold excellence and wisdom,” he said.
As the JRMP-II commences full operations next year, President Marcos Jr. has vowed to continuously prioritize the welfare of farmers, whom he considers the backbone of a robust food security and agriculture industry.
“Hindi kami titigil sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto at programa na tutugon sa inyong mga pangangailangan at magpapagaan sa inyong buhay. Mananatiling kasangga ninyo ako at ang buong administrasyong ito sa pagtupad ng inyong mga pangarap,” he conveyed in concluding his message.
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