The Jalaur Dam project in Iloilo is targeted to boost rice production and aid with Panay Island’s power supply, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during its inauguration on Tuesday, July 16.
Jalaur Dam is the first large-scale water reservoir in the country supporting 25,000 farmers outside of Luzon—a significant boost in the country’s agricultural sector. The construction of the 109-meter high dam spanning over 80 kilometers, is said to provide irrigation, bulk water supply, and hydroelectric power.
Iloilo’s local economy is expected to have a significant boost in development, as it will be utilized to give solutions and make improvements on the region’s current challenges.
“Our water development projects would not just bring irrigation or potable water to our people but will also help address flooding, produce food, generate electricity, and develop tourism activities,” Marcos Jr. said.
Moreover, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. envisions that the project would catapult the region back to its former spot as the top rice producer in the country. This would also mean being a major contributor to the nation’s food security and increasing the region's annual rice production.
With the initiation of the project, more farmers are beginning to join various activities related to the improvement of agriculture.
In his speech, Marcos assured the Filipino farmers that the administration would continue to strengthen the agriculture sector by pushing for projects similar to this.
