Iloilo City and nearby municipalities are expected to benefit from an additional water source as the government seeks to tap Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) for domestic water supply under a new feasibility study.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday in Quezon City to assess the transfer of up to 1 cubic meter per second — or 86 million liters per day — from NIA’s water rights to MIWD’s service area.

MIWD will lead the one-year feasibility study, which will evaluate the technical, financial, legal, and environmental viability of the proposed transfer. The study also includes plans for infrastructure, such as a segment of JRMP II’s high-line canal.

The study also includes plans for related infrastructure, including a portion of the JRMP II high-line canal.

While NIA retains full ownership of the overall canal system, MIWD will construct, own, and operate the segment that delivers raw water to its facilities, which will revert to NIA after the project period. 

MIWD will also build and operate the intake and treatment systems needed to provide clean, potable water.

“The JRMP II is a landmark government project, and this partnership opens new doors for optimizing its benefits beyond irrigation,” Tayo said.

“Through this MOU, we are laying the groundwork to responsibly utilize part of the Jalaur River’s water resources for safe, reliable, and accessible drinking water,” he added. 

MIWD serves Iloilo City and nearby municipalities including Cabatuan, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel, and Sta. Barbara.

JRMP II is the first major water reservoir project outside Luzon, with components for irrigation, bulk water, hydropower, and solar energy.