ILOILO CITY (PIA) - - Amidst the pandemic, the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) remains on schedule with an overall physical accomplishment of 47.37% as of February, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here. 

This year 2022, the biggest irrigation development project in Iloilo is now on its third year of implementation. 

Highlights of this period’s accomplishments include the progress of the ongoing construction of the Jalaur High Dam, Afterbay Dam, and irrigation components. 

As of this writing, NIA reported that the construction of the Jalaur High Dam, the reservoir dam of the project, has already reached 33.1 meters high out of its 109 meters structural height.

Considering favorable weather and uninterrupted activities, NIA expects to finish the Afterbay Dam by the end of 2022 or first quarter of 2023.

The implementation of the High Dam and Afterbay Dam are the first time for NIA to use the Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) method in dam construction.

The RCC is a modern method adopted worldwide as an alternative to conventional concrete due to its economic value, high performance, and high speed of construction.

Also, simultaneous to the construction of the dams is the implementation of the irrigation component which includes the High Line Canal and the Main and Lateral Canals of the project. 

The construction of the 80.736 kilometers long High Line Canal, the main conveyance structure of JRMP II, is currently all together done in the Municipalities of Calinog, Lambunao, Janiuay and Cabatuan. 

At the helm of project implementation is Engineer Jonel Borres, Project Manager, who continues to call for support as the project is now a year away from completion.

The NIA Top Management, under the able leadership of Administrator Ricardo R. Visaya, continues to oversee the progress of the project to ensure that it will be completed as planned amidst the pandemic.  

NIA intends to finish this important economic development project by the end of December 2023.

Branded as “Partner in Progress,” JRMP II is a much-deserved and much-needed development for every Ilonggo family. (NIA-JRMP II/ Steve Cordero/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)