The rice capital
One of the places in the north that I found to be full of surprises is Nueva Ecija. With its vast fields, breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, old churches, and National Parks, I can say that this province is more than just “The Rice Granary of the Philippines.” Curious to what it has to offer, I drove all the way from Manila on a beautiful Saturday morning to visit Pantabangan Dam.
Still no luck bending my elbow but my shoulder gained more movement and a bit of strength.
The plan was for me to drive all the way but our friend’s sister who also lives in Nueva Ecija decided to let us park in their house. She then drove us from the town proper to the dam. (Which was of great help since I didn’t sleep the night before. Thank you Olga and Grace!)
A town submerged
Imagine leaving your own house to evacuate to a nearby town because of a new project. Your home is now a ghost town that once was thriving with human activity. With all your belongings tucked in a shuttle that will take you away from your home, you look back and you see memories. Moments of when you first attended the church and when you got married there, flashbacks of your childhood when you ran along the dusty streets, and memories of a beautiful afternoon when your mom prepared your favorite kakanin for you and your friends.
Such is what happened to the 3,000 people that were relocated for the project.
The embankment which is now called Pantabangan Dam used to be a town. Construction of the reservoir affected the location of the municipality in 1971 and the locals were provided new homes in nearby towns.
You can even see the cross from the underwater church if the water level is low. Too bad we didn’t get a glimpse of it.
I was surprised how quiet the place was. I thought the viewpoints will be flocked by crowds but I was wrong. Upon registering from the entrance I noticed immediately that we were the only people there besides three guys from Pampanga who took a quick spin with their motorcycles.
Pantabangan dam is the source of irrigation for locals and hydroelectric power in the area. It started its operation in 1977 and was the largest project in the country during the 70’s.
Surprisingly serene
The environment felt calm. It was so quiet except from the blowing of winds that I didn’t mind the heat of the sun. We stayed in the spillway for a while. I thought there will be long walks and occasional shoulder bumping from the maddening crowd but the place just offered us undisturbed views. From the vastness of the dam on one side, to the flowing Pampanga river on the other. Add the empty wide roads, cool wind, and the majestic Sierra Madre saturated by the noontime sun and you have a recipe for a full therapeutic sensory pleasure.
I didn’t expect this place to be this relaxing.
Next Stop
We then headed to the lake in Barangay Intang, about 15 minutes from Pantabangan by car. I was astounded by the vastness of this body of water, but what amazed me were the activities that surrounded the lake.
Fishermen were lined up by the shore trying to get some fresh catch, some people swimming with their families, and a local gathering his goats and a herd of sheep. Yes! There’s a herd of sheep when we arrived, too bad they would walk away from us every time we tried to approach them.
There is even a small ferry that you can ride to the other parts of the lake. It is used to get some people transported to the hydroelectric plant.
The lakeside of Intang reminded me of the scene towards the end of the movie Three Idiots. You’ll see the resemblance If you’ve watched that amazing film.
We walked farther to appreciate more of the artificial body of water. I just sat on one of the farthest parts of the lake and just stayed there. Since we still had plenty of time, I took the opportunity to exercise my injured arm. The peaceful vibe and the tranquility of the place might help.
Pantabangan lake was so vast that we only visited a tiny portion of it. The whole body of water is about 4,000 hectares and is surrounded by a forest reserve that covers around 84,000 hectares! The conservation area spans to the farther parts of Pampanga River, it also borders the Sierra Madre mountain range, and the mountainous areas of Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya.
Northern Flora and Fauna
We have barely scratched the surface of Nueva Ecija. Too bad we’re only here for one day since this province offers a lot of ideal destinations. Some you may find touristy, while others are quiet and intimate at the same time.
With Patanbangan lake as the centerpiece of the vast forest reserve with a prominent peak (Mt. Susong Dalaga), lush forests, and mountain ranges. I can say that locals within these northern regions are blessed with bountiful resources. It’s not just the people but the wildlife that finds sound habitat in its ecological bosom.
Facts:
- Construction of the dam: June 11, 1971
- Start of operation: 1977
- Height: 351ft
- Designed to withstand an intensity 8 earthquake
- Activities include fishing, taking a dip in the lake, and boat rental. (Though not commercially popular, you can ask permission to the locals.)
- 3rd largest dam in Southeast Asia as of writing
There are no entrance fees. Just log your names in the registration area (Guard house)
Getting There:
Nueva Ecija by bus: There are several bus lines in Pasay and Cubao that go to Cabanatuan. Travel time is about four hours and is faster if they take the route via SCTEX. For inquiry on bus fares, please refer to the following bus lines:
● VICTORY LINER – Pasay, Manila |
● BALIWAG TRANSIT – Caloocan, Cubao |
● FIVE STAR – Cubao, Pasay | |
Pantabangan Dam
- There is no public transport that goes there but you can hire a tricycle and the driver will take you to the dam.
Oh by the way…
I also vlog in Instagram Stories almost every day (With B-Rolls and edits). Please follow me to watch the vlogs or check my highlights. I might also make a tutorial on Youtube soon.
Instagram: @ger_victor
See you guys there! : )