The Wawa Dam: A Piece of Local History
Wawa Dam has been an important part of the local history in Rodriguez, Rizal, for many years. It was built in 1909 to provide electricity to Manila and was also known as the Montalban Dam. However, it stopped operating in 1968.
Today, Wawa Dam is a popular spot for tourists. It’s now protected and considered a part of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape to preserve its natural beauty and historical significance.
What is the Wawa Dam?
So, what exactly is Wawa Dam? It’s a pretty massive dam that controls the flow of the Marikina River. It’s situated in a deep gorge and stands impressively tall at 360 meters (about 1,180 feet) with a unique arched shape. Interestingly, it used to supply water to Manila until the Angat Dam took over in 1968.
Now, there’s a water crisis in Metro Manila, and one potential solution is to bring Wawa Dam back into use. But for now, it’s protected as part of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape.
The History
Wawa Dam is not only historically significant but also known for its association with the Legendary Mountains of Giant Bernardo Carpio. According to local folklore, a heroic figure saved a village by stopping two mountains, now called Mount Pamintinan and Mount Binacayan, from colliding with just his bare hands.
The Wawa Dam in Today's World
Today, it is a popular tourist destination where people come to learn about its history and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can even take a boat ride to get a closer look at the dam, which is a unique way to experience this historic site.
How to get to the Wawa Dam
If you’re wondering how to get to Wawa Dam, it’s quite easy and affordable. You can take a UV Express Van from Cubao, SM North, or Trinoma and ask the driver to drop you off at Eastwood Ministop. The fare for this ride is 50 pesos. Then, catch a jeepney going to Wawa for 8 pesos. The total travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
In conclusion, I love visiting Rizal because of its stunning natural beauty, including breathtaking mountains and intriguing historical sites. And the best part is that it’s conveniently close to Manila, making it an easily accessible destination.
