ILOILO CITY — The city’s decadeslong water shortage could finally see relief as the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) begins studying a major new supply source: the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Phase II (JRMP II).
Announced days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed for reforms in underperforming water districts, the initiative aims to deliver up to 86 million liters of water daily to the city and nearby towns.
The plan calls for a full technical, financial, legal, and environmental assessment to determine if the Jalaur mega dam can sustainably supply Metro Iloilo. Once approved by the National Water Resources Board, the project could pave the way for a reliable, long-term bulk water source.
MIWD would also build and operate part of the canal system to feed raw water into its network.
Currently, only 27 percent of households in MIWD’s service area get daily water that is not consistently potable. The shortage forces many residents to depend on water rationing, truck deliveries, or shallow wells.
Local officials say the Jalaur project, if successful, could resolve Iloilo’s water problems for generations. Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has called for safeguards to keep the supply affordable, accessible, and free from monopoly control.
However, water advocates stress that beyond infrastructure, the solution will require transparent project management, timely completion, and active oversight—echoing the President’s message of accountability.
