NIA Plans PHP20.7-Billion Dam Project in Capiz

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) aims to commence the PHP20.7-billion Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP) in Capiz by 2026, with hopes of starting even earlier if savings are secured in 2025. NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen announced this during the inauguration of the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II in Calinog, Iloilo.

The PRBIDP is designed to address flooding, provide water supply, and irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power. 

The project will feature a reservoir dam in Barangay Acuña and an afterbay dam in Barangay Garcia, both in Tapaz town. 

It is expected to benefit 25,046 farmers and 9,378 indigenous households, covering Roxas City and several municipalities in Capiz and Iloilo.

Guillen emphasized the project’s potential to mitigate flooding in 26,800 hectares and produce 18.42 megawatts of hydroelectric power. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance water management and agricultural productivity in the region.

The Western Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has endorsed the phased implementation of the PRBIDP as a long-term solution to Capiz’s flooding issues.

News and image source: PIA – Philippine Information Agency