FARMER-MEMBERS of the Agbato Calinog Irrigators Association Inc. are currently preparing for their third cropping, or double dry season – making a historic first for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) Stage II.
This milestone follows the successful delivery of irrigation water from JRMP II to 139 hectares across barangays Aglibacao, Badu, and Toyungan in Calinog, Iloilo since October 2025. These areas form part of the 500 hectares in Zone 1 Main Canal 2 partially generated by the project last year, giving farmers in previously rainfed zones the chance to plant beyond the usual cycles.
Agbato is one of the irrigators associations organized by the project management office within the Zone 1 Main Canal 2 area. As of the end of 2025, an estimated 500 farmer-beneficiaries in Zone 1 MC 2 have already benefitted from JRMP’s partial operation despite the ongoing construction of the irrigation components.
According to the NIA, as more areas slated to receive irrigation soon, farmers who once relied solely on rainfall can now look forward to the prospect of planting three times a year.
The agency noted that this shift brings new opportunities for farming families and renewed hope for the community./PN
