House OKs Wawa Dam as tourist destination

MANILA, Philippines — The House tourism committee has approved a measure seeking to declare Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal as a tourist destination.

House Bill 2962 or the Development of Wawa Dam Act mandates the formulation of a development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure that would enhance, develop and promote tourism around the Wawa Dam.

Rep. Fidel Nograles of the fourth district of Rizal commended the panel for approving the proposal. He said the declaration would be crucial in providing economic opportunities to local residents.

The departments of tourism, public works and highways, environment and natural resources, and the interior and local government as well as concerned local government units were tasked to create the plan within one year of the measure’s approval.

The measure mandates the Department of Tourism to immediately implement the plan and integrate it with the agency’s overall development programs.

The dam, created in 1909, is recognized by the National Museum as an important cultural property due to its design and structure as well as its historical significance during World War II.

The site – frequented by hikers, bikers and adventurers – has a gorge and caves for boulder climbing and spelunking.

The area is also ideal for swimming, sightseeing, boating and other activities.

Wawa Dam’s declaration as a tourist destination will highlight the need to protect and develop natural tourist attractions, Nograles said.

“The continued patronage by tourists of sites like Wawa Dam indicates that our people value the environment and its bounty. We should protect such sites so the generations to come will still enjoy it,” he said.

Over the years, Nograles led volunteers in conducting tree-planting activities around the dam to counter flooding in Rodriguez and the nearby towns.