Iloilo dam to boost Phl rice sufficiency

MANILA, Philippines - Farmers and residents of Iloilo can expect a more reliable irrigation system and bigger harvest when the second phase of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP-II) comes into stream in 2016.

According to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional manager Gerardo Corsiga, JRMP-II would provide year-round irrigation to increase production in 22,340 hectares of agricultural lands and in 9,500 hectares of currently rain-fed areas.

It will also produce 6.6 megawatts of hydro power energy and augment  the delivery of potable water in metro Iloilo.

President Aquino himself noted in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year the significance of this project to address the rice sufficiency of the nation.

Located in Calinog town in central Iloilo, JRMP-II involves the construction of three dams, and an 81-kilometer high line canal which could also provide 86,400 cubic meters of fresh water every day for domestic and industrial consumption in neighboring towns, including Iloilo City.

He pointed out that the dam would be constructed on a solid rock foundation based on samples taken as deep as 100 meters drill hole, and could withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), a national group of farmers has expressed support for the project,  saying it would help  achieve the government’s target for rice self-sufficiency.

The group, through its president Rosendo So, believes that the project could contribute to the annual increase in the country’s rice production by around eight percent and the 9,000 hectares of irrigated farmlands could produce 2.9 million bags of palay or unhusked rice.

Moreover, the National Federation of Irrigators’ Association Inc., during its recent general assembly in Naga City, also issued a manifesto of support backing the project, noting the project would benefit not only farmer-irrigators in Western Visayas, but also impact the country’s rice-sufficiency goals.

In addition, the Iloilo Business Club has expressed its support for the project as it would help provide stable supply of water and electricity in the fast-growing city which has seen unprecedented urban and business development in recent years.

Corsiga further disclosed that a survey conducted by the NIA showed that 88.9 percent in the 10 affected villages in Calinog favor the project because of the direct benefits it would bring.

He also said that a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) was previously issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI (NCIP) for the feasibility study. FPIC is a provision in Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) which is required for development projects that would affect indigenous people.

Presently FPIC for JRMP-II implementation is being processed for the eventual execution.

He added that the dam would also help mitigate flooding in the area and create opportunities in watersports and eco-tourism.