Stable water supply seen in Panay

MANILA, Philippines - Farmers and residents of Panay Island in Western Visayas can expect a more stable source of fresh water and rice when the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project (JRMP-II), the biggest water reservoir project outside Luzon, begins soon.

Upon completion in 2016, the irrigation dam will provide year-round water supply to increase production in 22,340 hectares of agricultural land and in 9,500 hectares of currently rain-fed areas.

Located in Calinog town in central Iloilo, JRMP-II can also provide 86,400 cubic meters of fresh water every day for domestic and industrial consumption in neighboring towns, including Iloilo City.

The dam will be constructed on a solid rock foundation based on samples taken as deep as 100 meters drill hole, and can withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake.

It will also produce 6.6 megawatts of hydro-power electricity and augment fresh water supply in Iloilo City and nearby municipalities.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional manager Gerardo Corsiga said the project is of national significance, citing that President Aquino himself highlighted the JRMP-II in last year’s State of the Nation Address.

He said that various groups have expressed support for the mega project to address the looming water shortage in the province.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), a national farmers group, has expressed support for the project, saying it will boost government efforts for rice self-sufficiency.

The group said the project can help raise the country’s rice production by around eight percent.

The National Federation of Irrigators’ Association Inc. also issued a manifesto of support backing the project.

Moreover, the Iloilo Business Club said the dam project will help provide stable supply of water and power in the fast-growing metropolis.

Corsiga disclosed 88.9 percent in the 10 affected villages in Calinog favored the project because of the direct benefits it will bring.

He said that a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) has been issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI for the project feasibility study.

FPIC is a requirement of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) for development projects affecting tribal communities.