In a remarkable turn of events, the recent drought in the northern Philippines has led to the uncovering of ruins belonging to a centuries-old town at a parched dam. The discovery has not only provided residents with a rare spectacle but has also become an unexpected source of income for the region, which heavily relies on rice-growing.

Located in Nueva Ecija province, the dried-up dam has gradually revealed the remnants of a sunken church and the foundations of old structures from the medieval town, capturing the fascination of locals and visitors alike. Aurea Delos Santos, a 61-year-old retired nurse, expressed her excitement, stating, "When I heard about the sunken church of old Pantabangan town resurfacing, I got excited and wanted to see it."

Capitalizing on the attraction, some enterprising residents have started ferrying tourists to the island to witness the ancient ruins, further augmenting their income. One such resident, Nelson Dellera, a fisherman, shared his experience, saying, "Back then, I was only earning 200 pesos ($3.50) from fishing, but when the tourists arrived, I'm earning 1,500 to 1,800 per day."

According to the local government, the old town was relocated in the 1970s during the construction of the dam, which currently serves as the primary irrigation and water source for Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces. The unexpected emergence of the ruins has offered a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of the region, attracting visitors from far and wide.

As the drought continues to persist, revealing more of the town's ruins, local authorities are looking into ways to promote responsible tourism and preserve the newly discovered heritage. Efforts are being made to ensure that the delicate structures and artifacts remain intact for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

The unexpected revelation of the sunken town amidst the drought serves as a timely reminder of the resilience of nature and the irreplaceable value of historical treasures. While the region grapples with the challenges of water scarcity, the emergence of the centuries-old town offers a silver lining by providing a boost to the local economy and fostering a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural legacy of Nueva Ecija.