History of Wawa Dam in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 16, 2025

Wawa Dam, also called Montalban Dam, is a gravity dam located in Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines. It spans the Marikina River within the Montalban Gorge (Wawa Gorge) in the Sierra Madre Mountains, east of Manila. The dam is slightly arched and situated in a gorge that rises to 360 meters (1,180 ft).

1904: Construction Begins

In 1904, construction of the Wawa Dam commenced during the American colonial era.

1909: Dam Becomes Operational

In 1909, the Wawa Dam became operational, providing water for Manila during the American colonial era.

May 1945: Battle of Wawa Dam

From March to May 1945, Wawa Dam was at the center of the Battle of Wawa Dam, a seesaw engagement between the US Army's XI Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army's Shimbu Group during World War II.

1968: Dam Abandoned

In 1968, Wawa Dam was abandoned as the primary water source for Manila after the Angat Dam was built.

July 2024: Impounding of Upper Wawa Dam Project

In July 2024, Prime Infra and WawaJVCo began the impounding process for the PhP26.5 billion Upper Wawa Dam project in San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal. This project, part of the Wawa Pumped Storage Water Project, will create a 400-hectare artificial lake to operate a 600-megawatt energy storage facility. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is responsible for protecting the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape.