ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration said the P20.786 billion Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP) will push through in Capiz and some parts of Iloilo province.

The PRBIDP is among the three to five large dams that the Marcos administration is eyeing to build by the end of his term in 2028, according to NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen during a sectoral briefing in Malacañang on March 17.

It will also benefit the towns of Bingawan, Lemery, and San Rafael in the province of Iloilo.

In a statement, NIA said the project aims to provide a year-round water supply to 26,800 hectares in the province of Capiz and parts of Iloilo Province set to benefit at least 25,046 farmers.

Aklan-Capiz Irrigation Management Office Engr. Rudy Sapeda said that 9,378 indigenous people households from Tapaz and Jamindan towns will also benefit from the project.

“During the pre-construction activities of the PRBIDP, the NIA committed with the IP community to conduct Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) for the construction and graveling of roads, a hanging bridge, and a potable water system,” Sapeda added.

The Capiz provincial government conducted a first quarter Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) meeting to discuss the implementation of the PRBIDP in the province on March 24 at the Capiz Provincial Capitol in Roxas City.

Gov. Fredenil Castro said during the meeting that the provincial government will spearhead the monitoring of the project.

NIA Acting Regional Manager Jonel Borres highlighted President Marcos’ and Guillen’s active support for PRBIDP implementation, making it a priority project in the region.

“With the unwavering dedication and joint effort, the PRBIDP may become an example of integrated water resource management and environmental protection for future generations,” Borres noted. (AGP/PLF/PIA Capiz)