The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Caliraya, initially supplied one of the oldest hydroelectric plants in the Philippines, and later became a popular recreational area for numerous water sports and fishing.

The dam's construction was started in 1939 under the supervision of the architecture firm of Pedro Siochi and Company and a small hydroelectric plant was operated in 1942.

[1] In the early years of American occupation, the Bureau of Engineering of the Philippine Commission investigated possible sources for hydroelectric development in the country.

Mr. A. H. Perkins, assistant engineer began investigations of the Caliraya project on November 11, 1903, and his report was submitted to the Philippine Commission on March 23, 1904.

The dam construction was started in 1939 from the designs planned by Hugh John Casey, upon approval by the Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon.

A diversion canal was constructed several miles west of the lake to the head of a steep slope about 950 feet (290 m) above Laguna de Bay.