The river of progress is flowing stronger for Iloilo.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. secured more than ₱5.9 billion in fresh national funding to complete the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Stage II, one of the province’s most ambitious and transformative developments.
The amount, now included in the General Appropriations Bill, will finance the long-awaited irrigation canals that will channel water from the Jalaur Dam to thousands of farms and households across the province — a lifeline for agriculture and rural livelihood.
In a radio interview, Defensor said he personally appealed to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for the release of ₱5,961,320,196.33, ensuring that the dam’s supporting network would no longer be left hanging.
“We only had ₱780 million before, but now the canals will be fully funded,” Defensor said, adding that he has also asked senators to safeguard the allocation to prevent any cuts.
The governor said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is also finalizing another ₱115 million from the Local Government Support Fund for the construction of the Iloilo Provincial Government Center in Sta. Barbara — another milestone under his administration.
Defensor described the move as proof that Iloilo remains a top priority of the national government, saying the Jalaur project will soon unleash its full potential — fueling food security, boosting irrigation, and powering countryside growth.
“When Jalaur flows, Iloilo grows,” Defensor declared, underscoring his administration’s commitment to bring long-term progress to every corner of the province.IMT
