The Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam Reveals a Sunken Old Town

To travellers who are constantly on the hunt for underrated gems, the Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam is no stranger. As Asia’s third-largest dam, the site boasts of its tranquil beauty. Nowadays, locals and tourists alike visit the spot for water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and rafting. 

The sunken old town of Pantabangan

On 26 Jul 2020, Pantabangeño Krystha Recio found the site in a completely different light. Evident in their photos that quickly went viral, Krystha and her sister Kashiee captured a dry Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam. Its low water levels paved the way for the re-emergence of the sunken old town of Pantabangan. 

Also read: Nueva Ecija’s Colosboa Hills Are a Lot Like Those in New Zealand!

During summertime, the water level of the Pantabangan Dam decreases enough to reveal the cross of a sunken Catholic church. “Dati po, yung lumilitaw lang is yung krus,” Kashiee confirms. “Pero ngayon, lumitaw na rin po yung lumang sementeryo, bantayog ni Rizal, gate ng lumang school, at iba pa.”

Best places for viewing the Pantabangan Dam

When the water level of the Pantabangan Dam is normal, the destination can look quite scenic. You can visit a number of Nueva Ecija hotels, like the nature-crafted ​​Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm and the luxurious Highland Bali Villas.

Also read: NLEX Lakbay Norte puts the spotlight on Nueva Ecija

The history of the Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam

In 1973, the government announced the submersion of the old Pantabangan town to create one of the largest dams in Asia. The new Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam has since supplied hydroelectric power and water irrigation to the farmlands of Central Luzon. 

Along with the construction of the Nueva Ecija Pantabangan Dam, the town centre and seven other barangays were submerged. Submitting to this development, thousands of residents were forced to relocate to higher ground. 

As El Niño hit Nueva Ecija a decade later, some areas of the old town reappeared. But over the past few years, the old Pantabangan has remained sunken.

All photos credited to Kashiee and Krystha Recio.