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San Roque Dam
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The San Roque Dam, located on the Agno River in Pangasinan, is one of the largest dams in the Philippines. It is a multipurpose project designed for power generation, irrigation, flood control, and water quality improvement. The embankment dam stands 200 meters tall and is a key component of the region's infrastructure. It impounds a reservoir with a capacity of over 800 million cubic meters. The dam's hydroelectric power plant has a generating capacity of 435 megawatts, providing a significant amount of electricity to the Luzon grid. Construction began in 1998 and was completed in 2003. The project, operated by San Roque Power Corporation, plays a vital role in mitigating floods in the low-lying plains of Pangasinan and Tarlac, while also supplying irrigation water to thousands of hectares of farmland.
- Location: Philippines
- Top sights: Saint Bartholomew Parish Church · Church of LDS
- Nearby: Baguio (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 28 | 27 | 42 | 71 | 236 | 362 | 534 | 640 | 406 | 269 | 112 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The San Roque Dam is a colossal embankment structure on the Agno River that is indispensable for the region's infrastructure, providing vital hydroelectric power. Beyond energy, it is instrumental in managing large-scale irrigation, mitigating flood risks, and maintaining downstream water quality.
Visiting
While the core power generation facilities are secured and off-limits to the general public, the dam's massive exterior structure and the surrounding reservoir area are visible. Special guided tours or access to specific viewing decks might be available through the operating management upon prior request.
Where to view it
Public roads approaching the dam offer awe-inspiring views of the massive earth-fill barrier and the vast artificial lake it creates. Elevated spots around the surrounding hillsides provide panoramic vistas of the water release channels and the sweeping Agno River valley.
Local products
The communities near the dam and along the river heavily rely on freshwater fishing, making local markets a great place to find fresh river catches and agricultural produce. Roadside stalls often sell seasonal fruits and traditional delicacies unique to the Pangasinan and Benguet borders.
Active season
The dam is a year-round fixture, continuously generating power and regulating water flows based on the season. The rainy season significantly alters the landscape, filling the reservoir to capacity and sometimes prompting dramatic water releases through the spillways.
Nearby
Exploring the San Roque Dam is a handy addition to a broader tour of Pangasinan's natural attractions, including the famous Hundred Islands National Park. It can also serve as a scenic stopover when traveling up towards the mountainous terrain of Baguio City.
Geography
Facts
- One of the largest dams in the Philippines.
- Located on the Agno River in Pangasinan province.
- The embankment dam stands 200 meters tall.
- The hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 435 megawatts.
- Serves for power generation, irrigation, and flood control.
- Construction was completed in 2003.
- Operated by the San Roque Power Corporation.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town San Roque Dam (2)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the San-Roque-Talsperre?
It is one of the largest dams in Southeast Asia, used for irrigation and power generation.
Can you visit the dam?
Yes, certain viewpoints are open to the public and offer a great view.
How is the local weather?
The weather is tropical; during the rainy season, one should be careful due to the risk of landslides.
Are there parking facilities?
Limited, unguarded parking spaces are available at the official viewpoints.
What is the region known for?
The area is known for its mountainous landscape and its importance to local agriculture.
San Roque Dam: where is it located?
San Roque Dam is located in Philippines.
San Roque Dam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Bartholomew Parish Church, Church of LDS.
San Roque Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
San Roque Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The San Roque Dam, located on the Agno River in Pangasinan, is one of the largest dams in the Philippines.
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