ILOILO — The government is ramping up efforts to restore the incomes of Indigenous Peoples (IP) families displaced by the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II), launching a more extensive fourth phase of its livelihood restoration program in Calinog town.
The JRMP II Project Management Office (PMO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6, unveiled the newest phase during DOLE’s 92nd Founding Anniversary in Iloilo City, marking one of the biggest livelihood infusions for project-affected communities to date.
DOLE-6 regional director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. awarded a P6,991,700 check to PMO Regional Manager Engr. Jonel Borres, formalizing the collaboration that will support 175 IP families whose traditional livelihoods have been disrupted by ongoing construction activities.
Also present were IDD OIC/Watershed Management Section Chief Steve Cordero and Technical Assistant for Livelihood Cecilia C. Ang, underscoring the multi-agency backing behind the initiative.
Largest rollout of livelihood interventions so far
Under Phase IV, each beneficiary family will receive P40,000 worth of livelihood assistance through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. The interventions include:
* Goat production – 89 families
* Mallard duck production – 18 families
* Muscovy duck production – 68 families
The assistance aims to help households quickly rebuild income sources while promoting long-term, sustainable economic activities fitting the upland IP communities.
Success of previous phases builds momentum
Last year, DOLE and the PMO supported 135 IP families through mixed livelihood packages such as broiler production, dried fish retailing, feeds retailing, mallard and muscovy duck raising, and native chicken production — laying the groundwork for this expanded rollout.
Since 2018, DOLE-6 has poured around P19 million into JRMP II-related livelihood programs, including:
* P4.06 million (2018–2019)
* P3 million (2022)
* P4.05 million (2024)
* P1 million in TUPAD grants (2024)
The TUPAD recognition was conferred to JRMP II for exemplary implementation of livelihood components.
In 2023, the DOLE Central Office named the PMO as Best Accredited Co-Partner in Livelihood Implementation during the national Kabuhayan Awards, further validating the project’s approach to community support.
Interagency convergence strengthens support
JRMP II’s livelihood mechanisms operate under an interagency convergence model involving 28 national government agencies, ensuring services — from capacity building to resource provision — are synchronized for the benefit of affected communities.
The PMO emphasized that as JRMP II progresses, its commitment to Calinog’s IP communities remains central, aiming not only to provide immediate assistance but also to secure long-term socio-economic resilience./PN
