ILOILO — Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure the completion of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Stage II during his administration, citing its historical and developmental significance to the province. At the same time, he welcomed the rollout of the P189-billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges project, calling it a “cornerstone” of regional progress.
Speaking ahead of President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, Defensor reaffirmed full support for the administration’s infrastructure thrust under the “Build Better More” agenda, particularly its impact on Western Visayas.
“We are thrilled that, under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos, the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges, with an investment of P189 billion, are being advanced,” Defensor said. “This project is set to be the cornerstone of our vision for progress in Iloilo and reflects our commitment to a robust, progressive, and globally competitive Iloilo, aligned with our aspirations for a Bagong Pilipinas. It will serve as a vital artery for commerce and facilitate the movement of our people across Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Island, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering regional development.”
The PGN bridges project aims to interconnect the three islands through a network of long-span bridges, boosting economic growth, inter-island mobility, and access to services in the region.
Defensor said the civil works for the Panay-Guimaras segment — spanning 13 kilometers — have already commenced.
He also lauded President Marcos for his “unwavering dedication” to the PGN initiative, calling it a potential game-changer for Region 6, especially in terms of job creation and regional transformation.
On July 8, Defensor personally visited Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in Manila to submit three funding request letters, including one seeking an additional P5.96 billion for JRMP II.
“The Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project 2 is very important. We personally visited the Department of Budget and Management to speak with Secretary Pangandaman and to request that the P756 million included in the proposed 2026 budget be secured. We took this opportunity to communicate with the president,” he said.
“Mr. President, it would be best for the Jalaur project to be completed during your term, as it was President Marcos Sr. who initiated the first phase of the Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project. It is essential for the president to be aware of this, and we know that the Jalaur Project is important to him,” he added.
Defensor also shared that he raised the importance of the PGN bridges project with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who reportedly expressed support for Iloilo’s infrastructure initiatives.
“Of course, we are thankful for the administration of President Marcos. Plans are underway, and civil works for the Panay and Guimaras segment, which spans 13 kilometers, have already begun. We hope our message will be communicated effectively,” Defensor said./PN
