Recent reports show that the Philippines is facing severe heatwaves and droughts, with a crucial dam in the northern part of Luzon Island on the brink of drying up. As a result of the persistently high temperatures, nearly half of the country’s land is experiencing drought conditions. A historic ancient city submerged under water for 300 years in the Pantabangan town has resurfaced due to the declining water levels, marking the longest period it has been visible in history.
According to media sources, the dam located in Nueva Ecija province has maintained extremely low water levels since March, with some parts even showing signs of drying up. This unprecedented event has revealed the submerged town of Pantabangan, allowing the public to witness the exposed structures of the ancient city.
Marlon Paladin, an engineer from the Philippine National Irrigation Administration, mentioned that the Pantabangan dam was constructed in the 1970s. Whenever water levels dropped significantly, parts of the Pantabangan town would emerge from beneath the water. In the past, only the highest points of the ancient city, such as the cross atop the century-old church, were visible. However, the current water scarcity has fully exposed the entire church structure and even an old public cemetery, marking the longest duration of visibility in history.
Currently, the local government allows residents and tourists to visit the historical ruins of the ancient city for a limited time of 40 minutes per tour.
It is known that the Philippines experiences intense heat during April and May each year, with average temperatures exceeding 30°C. However, the recent weeks have seen temperatures soaring to around 42°C in most regions, with some areas even surpassing 50°C. The scorching heat has brought immense hardship to the local population, enduring unbearable conditions. Residents and visitors are now granted a rare opportunity to explore the remarkable remnants of this ancient city that has reemerged from beneath the waters amid the country’s extreme weather conditions.