The centuries-old Pantabangan town has reemerged after the water level in Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija dropped due to the El Niño phenomenon on April 24, 2024. The water level in the dam decreased to 173.40 meters from its normal high-water level of 221 meters as the country grapples with rising temperatures.

The town was submerged in 1973 to make way for the construction of the dam, displacing around 3,000 people according to historic accounts. The multi-purpose dam is being utilized for irrigation, hydroelectric power and flood control in the region.

Parts of the old St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church, one of the prominent landmarks in the area, also resurfaced. A replacement cross was installed a few years ago when rising temperatures also caused the water level to decline.

The old public cemetery, where remains were relocated to a new cemetery, and other structures of the old town also emerged.