The man-made Wawa Dam is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Rodriguez, Rizal. It is located between the two notable mountains, Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan, near the Wawa Gorge along the Sierra Madre mountain range.
The Wawa Dam offers various outdoor activities, making it an inviting destination for people looking for a leisurely getaway. Hiking routes wind across the rocky hills, providing breathtaking views of the dam and its surroundings for those with an adventurous spirit.
Wawa Dam is 13 meters, or 43 feet, high. It is 85 meters long and encircled with boulders made of marble and rock. The dam is only an hour's drive from Metro Manila, yet it emerges like a portal to the clouds.
Rich history
Wawa Dam is rooted in the revolutionary changes the Philippines were going through during the American colonial period.
In 1904, during the American colonial era in the Philippines, Wawa Dam was built atop the Marikina River to deliver water to Metro Manila. It was completed and put into service in 1909.
Over time, it has become the sole major water source in the Metro Manila area. However, Angat Dam, which was fully completed to serve water throughout Metro Manila, caused the abandonment of Wawa Dam in 1968.
Wawa Dam was still acknowledged as a significant cultural asset of the National Museum in 2019. In 2021, work on the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project commenced, providing about 500,000 households in Metro Manila and the Rizal area with a sufficient water supply.
The House Committee on Tourism designated Wawa Dam as a tourist destination in September 2022. It continues to benefit the locals living close to the dam through additional revenue to improve their standard of living.
The landmark spillway and other architectural relics from the colonial era serve as quiet witnesses to the passing of time and the union of engineering and nature.
What awaits visitors
Hiking routes winding across the steep hills near Wawa Dam are open to adventure seekers. These pathways offer views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the dam.
Swimming in the surroundings of the dam's basin is an experience not to be missed. Aside from enjoying the varied currents, people can also float along and feel the embrace of the dam's waters.
The landscapes of Wawa Dam, along with its historical buildings and cultural features, also provide photographers with a blank canvas. Wawa Dam is a visual feast, from catching the play of light on the river to recording the heritage sites and rock formations.
The Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal invites guests to travel through time and fully experience its comforts. Wawa Dam is a location that appeals to anyone looking for a deep connection with nature, from its history and charm to its recreational offerings.
