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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider P6.5 B needed to start Capiz mega dam construction

P6.5 B needed to start Capiz mega dam construction

Published May 13, 2026 01:02 pm
DIGITAL perspective of the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project in Capiz. (NIA Western Visayas)
DIGITAL perspective of the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project in Capiz. (NIA Western Visayas)
ILOILO CITY – At least P6.5 billion is needed to start construction of the mega dam project in Capiz province before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. steps down in 2028.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is requesting the amount to be included in the 2027 national budget for its proposed Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP).
NIA-Western Visayas Regional Manager Engr. Jonel Borres recently said it is lobbying with the NIA Central Office and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).
The status of the PRBIDP was once again a subject of discussion after Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro expressed hope that construction will start in the remaining years of the Marcos administration.
During an event in Roxas City last month, Castro told Marcos that PRBIDP was first conceptualized during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the Chief Executive's father.
This year, the NIA regional office is only working with a P420-million budget out of the P4.5 billion it requested for PRBIDP.
Borres said the amount has been used for the PRBIDP pre-construction phase. This include the updated feasibility study (FS) and detailed engineering design (DED) which are nearly complete.
The PRBIDP was supposed to be a P20-billion project. But Borres said the cost would most likely increase in the years to come.
The project cost was calculated based on prevailing prices in 2017, which was nearly 10 years ago.
The PRBIDP was mainly designed as a mega dam project that will irrigate 15 towns in Capiz where the Panay River passes through.
It will have a component for bulk water supply, flood control and hydroelectricity.

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Capiz Dam NIA
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