The Socorro Water Towers are historic water towers in the barangay of Socorro in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Socorro Water Towers
Map
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeWater tower complex
LocationSocorro
Town or cityQuezon City
CountryPhilippines
Coordinates14°36′46.4″N 121°03′45.0″E / 14.612889°N 121.062500°E / 14.612889; 121.062500
Current tenantsBarangay Government of Socorro
Completed1930s
Closed1950s (function as water towers)
OwnerMetropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System

History

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The Socorro Water Towers were built in the 1930s, during the United States administration of the Philippines. The complex consists of two water towers, with the newer structure being built a year apart and has smaller dimensions than the older tower. The towers were built to serve residents of modern-day Cubao area.[1][2]

The water towers survived World War II and sometime after the Philippines was granted independence after the war, the structures and the associated property were turned over to the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa; later the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System or MWSS). By the 1950s, the water towers became non-operational. Following the creation of barangay Socorro in the following decade, the barangay hall for the newly created barangay was allowed to be built within the water towers' associated property with the help of First Lady Imelda Marcos. The site then was known as Imelda Park.[1] One of the tanks sustained two holes amidst the 1989 coup d'état attempt during the presidency of Corazon Aquino, but the tower was repaired afterwards.[1]

Facilities

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The Socorro Water Towers consist of two concrete towers estimated to have heights equivalent to 12 to 15 stories. The base of the towers hosts spaces for the local government of barangay Socorro, including its barangay hall which is built in between the two water towers. The back portion of the towers hosts a covered basketball court and a daycare center.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Sauler, Erika (3 August 2014). "QC folk treasure Cubao water tanks as towers of history". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b Rodriguez, Mia (11 August 2020). "Those Quezon City Water Towers Have Been There Almost 100 Years and Here's Why". Spot.ph. Summit Digital. Retrieved 11 April 2021.