A LAWMAKER has hailed the approval at the committee level of a bill seeking to declare Wawa Dam in Montalban as a tourist destination, as he emphasized it would be crucial in providing economic opportunities to the residents of the town.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo na aprubado na ng Committee on Tourism ang House Bill [HB] No. 2962. Wawa Dam has long been a tourist attraction, and we need government support to fully develop it for the benefit of the people,” Rizal 4th District Representative Fidel Nograles said.

HB No. 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 Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the local government units (LGUs) concerned are tasked with creating the development plan within one year of the bill’s approval.

The 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 II.

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. Kinakailangan nating protektahan ang mga ito para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” the Harvard-trained lawyer said.

The lawmaker said he is looking forward to the bill’s enactment.

He also said that pending its enactment, his office will continue to partner with other groups to protect Wawa Dam.

Over the years, the solon has led volunteers in tree-planting activities around Wawa Dam to counter flooding in Montalban and neighboring towns.