The Salinas Salt Springs in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, once gleamed like a hidden gem in the forests of northern Luzon. For centuries, this extraordinary salt-producing mountain not only supported the local economy but also captivated visitors with its sparkling beauty. Yet, by 1990, the springs mysteriously ceased production, leaving the region to watch helplessly as the wonder faded. What led to this decline, and what remains today?
A Glimmering Natural Wonder
For millions of years, the Salinas Salt Springs were a unique geological marvel. Covered in salt and shimmering under the sun, the hill resembled a glittering diamond. During the Spanish colonial period, the Spaniards named it Salinas, referring to saltworks or salt mines. Locals harvested salt from the spring for trade, agriculture, and culinary purposes. The salt also supported fish farming and became a vital economic resource. According to the Philippine Information Agency, its beauty was so extraordinary that it was designated as one of the natural wonders of the world.
The Mysterious Decline: What Happened?
By 1990, the Salinas Salt Springs began to disappear. Once a reliable source of salt, the spring's flow of water stopped, and the salt deposits began to vanish. Initially, locals attributed this to seasonal changes or drought, but as months passed without new salt, they realized the issue was deeper. Experts eventually debunked the theory that the salt originated from underground channels connected to the Pacific Ocean. Instead, the springs were the result of a natural process involving sulfate and carbonate salts slowly building up over millennia.
But in 1990, something shifted. Monsoon rains washed away the remaining deposits, and the once-thriving area fell into neglect. Tourists stopped coming, and the site, once a local treasure, became a forgotten relic.
The Earthquake Connection: A Shocking Discovery
A 2000 study revealed that the 1990 Luzon Earthquake had altered the underground water system feeding the salt spring. The earthquake diverted water flows, disrupting the natural processes that had sustained the spring for thousands of years. Unfortunately, there was no way to reverse the damage. The Salinas Salt Springs were gone for good.
A New Hope: The Emergence of a New Salt Spring
In 2018, a new salt spring emerged a few kilometers away in Barangay Manamtam. Though still in its early stages, this spring is growing in prominence. The provincial government has taken steps to preserve this new resource, offering hope for the region's future.
Legacy of the Salinas Salt Springs
While the original Salinas Salt Springs no longer shine, their legacy remains. They symbolize the deep connection between the people of Bambang and the land that sustained them. The memory of the Salinas Salt Springs endures, and with the new spring’s arrival, Bambang’s story may continue, offering a glimpse of a renewed future.
