President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the inauguration ceremony for the completed Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project – Stage II in Iloilo on Tuesday.
The Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project – Stage II is considered to be one of the largest agricultural infrastructure projects, completed under the Marcos administration.
National Irrigation Administration reported that over 23 cities and 2 municipalities will benefit from the said project.
The canal system of the Jalaur River Multi-purpose project, which was extended to 80 kilometers, has 3 dams and hydroelectric power plants. It is said that this will provide irrigation for 9,500 hectares of farmland that previously relied only on rain, in addition to the existing 22,000 hectares.
This is why the Department of Agriculture is optimistic that it will increase rice production by up to 70%.
In addition to irrigation, the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project also includes 6.6 megawatts of power generation, fishponds, and flood control.
The project is said to be a significant factor in the Marcos administration's goal of achieving food security and combating inflation.
