Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is hoping President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will highlight two major infrastructure projects in Western Visayas during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 28: the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) bridge.

At the top of Defensor’s list is the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) II in Calinog, Iloilo—the first large-scale water reservoir in the Visayas and Mindanao, and the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) flagship project in the region.

The governor recently made a personal appeal to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to increase the project’s budget in the 2026 national budget. He emphasized the urgency of completing the project within President Marcos’ term.

“Mr. President, it would be fitting for this project to be completed under your term because it was your father, President Marcos Sr., who initiated the original Jalaur project,” Defensor said, calling on the President to continue his father’s legacy.

The original JRMP Stage I focused on the rehabilitation of irrigation systems covering 22,340 hectares under Republic Act 2651. JRMP II expands the project’s scope with enhanced water infrastructure for agriculture and water security.

Defensor believes the President will give attention to the project, especially given its historical significance to the Marcos family.

Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge: A ‘game-changer’

The second project Defensor hopes will be acknowledged in the SONA is the PGN bridge, a long-awaited mega-infrastructure that promises to revolutionize connectivity in Western Visayas.

The governor confirmed that civil works for the Panay-Guimaras section will begin next year, with full construction starting in 2026. The 13-kilometer section will include a 4.84 to 4.97-kilometer sea-crossing bridge, connecting Iloilo and Guimaras, and is slated for completion by June 2028.

While unsure if the PGN bridge will be mentioned in the SONA, Defensor said he remains optimistic.

“Even without being mentioned, we know how important this project is—it’s a game-changer,” he said.

He added that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had personally assured him of her support for completing the Panay-Guimaras section.

Progressive groups plan counter-SONA rallies

Meanwhile, not everyone shares the same optimism.

Bayan Panay Secretary General Elmer Forro criticized the Marcos administration, citing the continued hardship of ordinary Filipinos amid soaring prices of basic goods and essential needs. He expressed doubt that the President’s SONA will offer real solutions.

“We expect another list of empty promises,” Forro said.

Progressive groups across Western Visayas plan to stage a State of the People’s Address (SOPA) at 3:00 p.m. today in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Organizers expect a crowd of 800 to 1,000 participants from various sectors.

Pre-SOPA programs will also be held earlier that day: in front of West Visayas State University in La Paz, and by the transport sector at University of the Philippines Visayas starting at 1:00 p.m.IMT