Palsabangon Dam

Palsabangon Dam

This Dam was built across the Palsabangon river to raise the water and irrigate the ricefields in Ilaya (North) and Ibabang (South)Palsabangon. The dam holds a reservoir that offers a nice swimming place for picnickers. The top of the dam is a favorite spot to do one's laundry. No advertiser have noticed yet, but maybe someday a laundry detergent commercial could be filmed here. The apron doubles as a "kulahan" for sun bleaching of blankets and curtains. The Palsabangon Dam viewed from downstream How to get there? Access to Palsabangon Dam from the highway is from a similar point as described in the Kagbuho and Kamaluya. features: After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a Barangay Road branching out to your left. At this point, the highway goes uphill and curves to the right. There is a limited line of sight against incoming dowhhill traffic which is dangerous while you are attempting to swerve to the left. Thus, it is suggested that while still far away from the said curve, you may carefully swerve to the left when the road is clear and use the shoulder to "crawl" to the start of the Barangay Road. That way, you will keep the main road free. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming vehicles that you are staying on the shoulder. Likewise, don't turn your headlights on as it may confuse the incoming vehicle that you are coming back to the pavement. Thru this Barangay Road, proceed to the residential area (locally known as "Boyet") at Brgy Ilayang Palsabangon. It is about 1.1 km from the highway. You will have to park your vehicle in that area as it where you may have someone to watch it. As the road up to this point is concreted, tricycles ferry passengers from the town proper for only P5 each. If you prefer that way, you don't have to have your vehicle eat up the limited parking space at "Boyet".   From hereon, the dam can be reached by hiking and fording the river upstream for 30 minutes. Since the river has numerous bends, there are points where you may climb the bank and go down the river again at the other side of the bend. For that purpose, you will need a guide.   Without a guide though, it is natural to find a trail to climb up the bank when you notice a heavy river curve up ahead. Facing upstream, it is logical to find right turning river to have a short-cut trail on the right bank. The water in the reservoir and the cascade that spills over the dam radiates a cooling effect that makes taking a rest at the abutments very enticing, like this pupuyan gatherer was enjoying. The leaks in the stop logs at the sluice gate in the center of the dam becomes an artificial waterfall that children enjoy frolicking with. A view of the the reservoir invites you to take a plunge. But make sure you have lifeguards among your group.

Photos and Narratives by  Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2003