TO provide economic opportunities to the residents of Montalban, the House Committee on Tourism has declared Wawa Dam as a tourist destination.
Rizal 4th District Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles said in a statement the committee approved the House Bill (HB) 2962.
“Wawa Dam has long been a tourist attraction and we need government support to fully develop it for the benefit of the people. It would be crucial in providing economic opportunities to the residents of the town,” Nograles said.
HB 2962, or the “Development of Wawa Dam Act,” mandates the formulation of a comprehensive development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of applicable facilities and infrastructure that would enhance, develop and promote tourism in the area as well as improve accessibility and security of tourists.
The Tourism, Public Works and Highways, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government departments and the local government units concerned are tasked with creating the development plan within a year of the bill’s approval.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is also tasked with immediately implementing the said plan and integrating it with the agency’s overall development programs.
Wawa Dam is a man-made dam at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Montalban.
The dam, which was 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 2.
The site is frequented by hikers, bikers and adventurers as it lies between Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan and has a gorge and numerous caves for bouldering and spelunking.
Local tourists also visit for swimming, picnics, sightseeing, boating and photography.
Nograles said that Wawa Dam’s declaration as a tourist destination would highlight the need to protect and sustainably develop natural tourist attractions.
“The continued patronage of tourists of sites like Wawa Dam indicates that our people value the environment and its bounty,” he added.
The lawmaker said he is looking forward to the bill’s enactment.
Nograles also said that pending its enactment, his office will continue to partner with other groups to protect Wawa Dam.
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