NIA Central Office – NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen participated in the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI Meeting, which was presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on February 13, 2025 during his visit in Iloilo City.
The meeting underscored the importance of advancing critical infrastructure projects and addressing the region’s development needs. It focused on key projects, including the P19.698-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project – Stage II (JRMP-II).
Located in Calinog, Iloilo, JRMP-II is the first large-scale reservoir outside Luzon. As of December 2024, the project recorded an overall physical accomplishment of 76.94 percent. It includes the construction of three dams: a 109-meter-high dam, a 38-meter afterbay dam across the Jalaur River, and a catch dam in Alibunan River, which are all substantially completed.
Upon completion by December 2026, JRMP-II is expected to provide year-round irrigation water supply to 9,500 hectares of new irrigable areas and rehabilitation of 22,340 hectares of agricultural land in the Province of Iloilo, benefitting 25,000 farmers and their families.
Under the leadership of Administrator Guillen, NIA fast-tracks the implementation of JRMP-II in adherence to the directive of President Marcos to boost connectivity, economic growth, and disaster resilience in Region VI. As a multipurpose project, the project will also address the need for progress in areas such as agriculture, energy, aquaculture, tourism, and flood mitigation.
Aside from JRMP-II, President Marcos emphasized the significance of the P20.786-billion Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project scheduled for groundbreaking in CY 2026. The said project will provide year-round irrigation water supply to 13,950 hectares of new area and 12,850 hectares of existing irrigated area in the province of Capiz and some portions in the province of Iloilo.
With a clear vision for Region VI's growth, NIA supports the President in reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting regional development initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all Filipinos.
#bayaNIAn sa #BagongPilipinas
NIA Administrator Guillen during the RDC VI Meeting (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)
President Marcos (middle) presides over the RDC VI Meeting (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office).
Participants of the RDC VI Meeting (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)
