Ecija lake eyed floating market like in Bangkok

By Manny Galvez

CABIAO, Nueva Ecija – The municipal government is planning to develop Nabao Lake here into a premier tourist attraction by setting up a floating market similar to the one in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mayor Ramil Rivera said they are planning to host dragon boat races and other water sports activities in the lake.

Rivera said experts from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology are drafting the master plan for the development of Nabao Lake.

The project will be patterned after Thailand’s Damnaen Saduak, Amphawa, Talin Chan, Khong Lat Mayom and the Bang Nam Pheung floating markets, which have been attracting tourists.

Establishments offering goods, food and entertainment will also be built in the area.

Rivera said a 210-meter portion of the lake will be cleared for road-widening as part of a plan to set up souvenir shops, food courts and zip lines.

“Hopefully, we can open up Nabao Lake to tourists within this year,” he said, adding that once operational, the project can provide jobs to at least 300 families.    

Nabao Lake, which cuts across the villages of Sta. Rita and San Carlos, is frequented by local tourists for boating and fishing.