00:00It's a multifunctional infrastructure project that serves as a bulk water storage facility for industrial uses,
00:06doubles as a facility for impounded water to irrigate 9,500 hectares of farmlands,
00:12and it's an energy source set to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydro-powered electricity
00:17to light up thousands of homes in the whole of Panay Island.
00:20And the president was more than glad to officially open the Hala'or River Multipurpose Dam earlier today,
00:27as are Allan Francisco details in this report.
00:32Three, two, one, press!
00:35This is the largest water reservoir project of the Luzon mainland and found in Kalinog, Iloilo,
00:41the dams that form the Hala'or River Multipurpose Project Phase 2.
00:45And earlier today, President Ferdinand R. Marquez, Jr. presided over its launching ceremony.
00:51The JRMP2 has three key components.
00:55The irrigation development, the environmental and watershed management, and institutional development.
01:02Over four decades have passed since the completion of the project's first phase in 1982,
01:08in the time and reign of former President Ferdinand E. Marquez, Sr.
01:12This project is expected to irrigate vast farmlands and is a cinch to prop up agricultural production
01:19not only in Panay, but in the entire Western Visayas region.
01:23Production of unhusked rice grains is projected to hit 160,000 metric tons in Region 6 alone.
01:29The multipurpose dam was designed and constructed to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric energy.
01:36Additionally, it is also proposed to develop inland fishery, floating solar energy systems,
01:42and eco-cultural tourism in the near future.
01:46This project is just the introduction of the development of the country's water resources.
01:51Our water development projects would not just bring irrigation or potable water to our people,
01:57but will also help address flooding, produce food, generate electricity, and develop tourism activities.
02:05Project costs amounted to 20 billion pesos that featured the proactive participation
02:10and cooperation of the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Agriculture, and the South Korean government.
02:17In Bagong, Philippines, we are strategically harnessing our finite resources
02:21especially water.
02:23We are also wisely investing our limited funds in projects that will bring optimal development
02:29for the most number of beneficiaries in the most efficient manner.
02:33We are thankful to President Marcos and the government
02:39because this Laor River project was successful and will greatly help farmers.
02:47From Kalinog, Iloilo, Alan Francisco, from the National TV Network, for a new and better Philippines.
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