The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will be working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance the engagement of the private sector in the development of the Pantabangan Reservoir in the Province of Nueva Ecija, the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in the Province of Iloilo, and canals of existing irrigation systems.

The agreement covers the development of PPP projects in NIA’s existing facilities such as the Pantabangan Reservoir in the Province of Nueva Ecija, the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in the Province of Iloilo, and canals of existing irrigation systems. Floating solar power systems at the reservoirs of Pantabangan and JRMP II as well as in irrigation canals will be designed for PPP under the TAS. The delivery of bulk water supply under the JRMP II shall be likewise prepared under this agreement. 

JRMP II benefits include year-round irrigation, bulk water supply, hydroelectric power, and eco-tourism. Primary areas that shall be served by the project include the towns of Calinog, Lambunao, Badiangan, Janiuay, Cabatuan, and Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Alimodian, Leon, San Miguel, Oton, Tigbauan, Duenas, San Enrique, Anilao, Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Mina, New Lucena, Pototan, Zarraga and Leganes, Passi City, and Iloilo City. For its second stage, the project involves three major components, Irrigation Development, Environmental and Watershed Management, and Institutional Development. For Irrigation Development, JRMP II covers the construction of three dams, all in Calinog Town, and a high-line canal that will traverse nine towns of the province of Iloilo, from Calinog to Oton town. It will also rehabilitate and modernize existing National Irrigation Systems (NIS) in the province. 

Pantabangan Dam is an earth-fill embankment dam on the Pampanga River located in Pantabangan in Nueva Ecija province of the Philippines. The multi-purpose dam provides water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation while its reservoir, Pantabangan Lake, affords flood control. Construction on the dam began in 1971 and it was completed in 1977.