ILOILO CITY, Philippines – President Benigno S. Aquino said the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II (JRMP) is a largely beneficial project such that it is seen to alleviate water crisis in Iloilo.
Hence, it should not be opposed by those who criticize it but has no alternative at all.
Aquino said in his speech, as well as during the press conference at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on June 11, that those who oppose the project have the right to their opinions but should try to be free from their “isipang de kahon” (boxed mindset) but on the benefits of the project.
He told reporters that at least one dam – the Alibunan catch dam will be completed under his term.
He also said that those who oppose the project could have done it some 55 years ago when the project was first conceptualized but never realized.
It was only in 2011 that the Korean government approved a loan for the project.
The JRMP II is expected to alleviate the water crisis in Iloilo on top of increasing rice yield.
Senate President Franklin Drilon, who joined the President in the press conference said the dam will be able to produce 85,000 cubic meters of surface water daily.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-6) has created a Technical Working Group for the management of the Jalaur watershed area.
The body shall address the environmental protection and watershed preservation priorities of the JRMP II.
The project covers 23 towns and two cities in Iloilo province, involving around 9,500 hectares of new area and 22,340 hectares of rehabilitated area, benefitting 24,000 farmers.
JRMP II to alleviate Iloilo water crisis – PNoy
