ILOILO CITY – South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa described the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) as a “game changer” during a courtesy visit to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Monday.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation between the province of Iloilo and South Korea in areas such as infrastructure, education, tourism, information technology, and manpower development, among others.

Lee also expressed optimism about the upcoming Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, which is likewise supported by the Korean government.

Defensor revisited plans for a direct Iloilo-Seoul flight, noting that while the pandemic initially delayed the initiative, it remains a priority for enhancing regional connectivity. Iloilo is home to 500 Koreans, and a direct flight would help boost tourism and trade.

Accompanying Ambassador Lee during the visit were representatives from the Philippines-Korea Economic Council and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter Inc., led by President Fulbert Woo.

Over the weekend, the envoy visited the dam project as part of a high-level site inspection.

The JRMP II is funded through official development assistance (ODA) from the South Korean government via the Korea EximBank.

The Korean envoy’s previous visit was during the project’s inauguration on July 16, 2024, according to National Irrigation Administration Institutional Development Division officer-in-charge Steve Cordero in a phone interview.

“He was amazed by the structure. According to him, he takes pride in completing the project because he was aware that the project had been a dream for many Ilonggos given that the law that provided for its construction was passed in 1960,” Cordero said.

He added that the ambassador was pleased that their government was a partner in the implementation of the long-envisioned project.