CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines – Cebu's only surface water source, the historic Buhisan Dam, will turn 100 years old in February 2012 and as part of the centennial celebration, an exhibit featuring the people behind its construction, the detailed plan of the dam as well as photos of significant events and places, is currently going on at the Rizal National Museum.

The dam was constructed in 1911 to address the lack of safe drinking water in Cebu after the worst cholera outbreak on the province, claiming over 500 lives in a population of 55,000. The dam was officially opened the following year.

It was also conceptualized as authorities found the need for available water to fight fires hitting the city back then.

Both Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña and Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) General Manager Armando Paredes said only a few people know about the significance of the dam and they hope the exhibit will educate Cebuanos.

It was Sergio Osmeña Sr., who was elected Speaker of the Philippine National assembly, who worked hard to source funds for infrastructure projects for Cebu. Then Gov. Dionisio Jakosalem and Municipal President of Cebu Vicente Teves also gave their support that contributed to the success of the project.