ILOILO CITY — The government of South Korea expressed its enthusiasm on the inauguration of dams of the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project (JRMP) II which will usher inclusive rural development and address relevant challenges.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa referred to the project as the largest dam in the Visayas, a game changer in addressing critical challenges being faced by the Philippines, particularly, in ensuring food security, supporting agriculture, and enhancing climate resilience.
Ambassador Lee joined President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and other national and local government officials during the recent launching of the JRMP II in Calinog town, Iloilo.
“Jalaur River project will enable the structure to respond to climate change benefitting many Filipinos. Its severe amount of irrigation will increase food production, bolster agricultural productivity, and provide substitute livelihood for Filipino farmers and communities,” Ambassador Lee said in his message.
Once completed and operational, the project will expand the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) irrigation service area by 9,500 hectares covering rain-fed agricultural lands in 17 towns from the first to fourth district of Iloilo province.
Moreover, the project is expected to bolster rice production by 71%, from 197,000 to 338,000 metric tons annually for the service area of NIA in the province.
As of June 2024, the overall physical accomplishment of the JRMP II is at 75.51% with substantial completion of all three Jalaur Dams such as the High Dam, Afterbay Dam, and Alibunan Catch Dam.
Ambassador Lee likened the Jalaur Dams to Angat Dam in Luzon in terms of providing effective flood management and enhancing resilience to natural disasters, thus, safeguarding the communities from potential devastation.
He also shared that food security and climate change are among the priorities of the Korean Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the country.
To note, JRMP II is under the ODA of South Korea government through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), which further reinforces the mutual relations of both countries.
Around P8.98 billion of the total project cost is funded by the EDCF.
“May the Jalaur River Project become a shining endeavor of Korea-Philippine friendship especially when we mark the 75th anniversary of PH-Korea diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Lee said.
He also shared South Korea government’s contribution to the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island bridge project which will help improve logistics and boost productivity in the region. (AAL/LMLE/PIA)
