PNoy: Jalaur river project will improve people’s lives

By Lilibeth A. French

Thursday 21st of February 2013

ILOILO CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III led here today the ceremonial groundbreaking of an irrigation project that aims to help sustain rice self-sufficiency in Western Visayas.

He said that the P11.212-billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project Stage II reflects government’s vision of providing a comfortable life for the people.

The project also aims to supplement power supply and augment supply of potable water, among others.

The multi-purpose river project will involve the construction of three dams that include Jalaur Reservoir, Afterbay and Alibunan Catch Dam; a powerplant; and 81 kilometer high line canal. It will serve some 25 municipalities in the province including the cities of Iloilo and Passi.

In his briefing, Department of Agriculture Proceso Alcala said the JRMP II is expected to provide year-round irrigation for increased agricultural production to the 22, 340 hectares of the five existing irrigation systems and the 9, 500 hectares currently rainfed areas.

It will further build a 6.6-megawatt hydro-electric power plant to supplement the power supply in Iloilo, augment supply of good quality and potable water for domestic and industrial consumption in the nearby municipalities including Iloilo City, and realize other intangible benefits such as flooding mitigation and promotion of eco-tourism in selected dam/reservoir areas.

In his welcome message, Governor Arthur Defensor said the construction of the JRMP II is a realization of a long time dream for Ilonggos as the project was envisioned as early as 1960s when a law was passed in Congress for the construction of a hydro power plant in the municipality of Calinog and years passed nothing happened.

He lauded Senator Franklin Drilon for doing his best to make sure that the project will happen and President Aquino for his full support that has made the construction of this biggest multi-purpose project outside Luzon come true.

“Mr. President, the people of the province of Iloilo will always treasure the efforts that you did for us,” said Defensor who also expressed confidence that with the project the province of Iloilo will continue to remain as a top rice producer in the country.

For his part, Mayor Alex Centena said the construction of the project in their town is a big help to many of his residents especially those unemployed.

Centena said nearly 500 residents of the town are now benefiting from the early work phase of the project such as road widening and site survey, among others.

“Our way of life has really improved since Calinognons who do not have work then are now earning as much as P472 a day,” said Centena.

President Aquino said the construction of the JRMP II will also generate employment for 17,000 workers and once fully operationalize ‘tinatayang at least 32,000 Pilipino - mga magsasaka, mangingisda, vendors, at iba pang manggagawang Ilonggo may trabaho na makiki-ambag sa pagpapalago sa ating ekonomiya.”

The project is expected to be completed before the term of the President ends in 2016.

Defensor and former Governor Niel Tupas welcomed the President when he arrived at the Capitol while Senator Franklin Drilon and Alcala joined them during the lowering of the capsule. (JSC/LAF-PIA6)