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DESTINATIONS Bacolod INTERESTS Beaches
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BATAAN
Bataan peninsula is located southwards from the western shores of central Luzon, forming the enclosed and well-sheltered Manila Bay to the east that is nearly cut off from the open China Sea in the west. The narrow outlet separates the peninsula from Corregidor Island and Cavite to the south. The provinces of Zambales and Pampanga form common boundaries to the north. About 80% of Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior. Most of the agricultural portion of Bataan is in the north and east. The province experiences two pronounced seasons; dry from November until April and the wet from May to October. During World War II it was the scene of heavy fighting between Allied and Japanese forces from January 6, 1942, to April 9, 1942. Bataan fell to Japan on April 9 and was retaken by an American force on February 17, 1945. HISTORY Several
villages in the coastal plains of Bataan were already thriving communities
when Spanish missionaries found them in the 1570s. Bataan, then
known as Vatan, was part of the vast Capampangan Empire that included
what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and
some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan, These coastal
villages were inhabited by natives who were predominantly fishermen,
farmers and craftsmen. Meanwhile, the hillsides were inhabited by
nomadic Aeta tribes. Long
before the outbreak of Word War II, Bataan already earned herself
a secure place in the history of the Philippines. The prince of
Filipino printers, Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay, who either
authored or co-authored some of the oldest books in the Philippines
and printed them himself between 1610 to 1639 in the printing press
located inside the Abucay Catholic Church. In 1647, the plundering
Dutch Naval forces were resisted in Bataan, the defenders ultimately
chose the glory of death to the ignominy of surrender. When
the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula
as the locale of the last defensive stand by the USAFFE against
the invading Japanese forces brought fame and infamy to Bataan.
The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became
the symbol of valor and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the
much superior invading Japanese Imperial Forces. Today, a national
landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) stands
majestically on top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the
gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women who with their blood,
tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow. CULTURE Most
of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans
comprise a significant minority of less than 10% and are concentrated
in the municipalities adjoining the province of Pampanga. Recent
rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other
provinces to settle within Bataan. The
province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture
and economy of Manila. Much of what the province produces is exported
to Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is fishing.
It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned
a unique craft of net and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan
take on various forms and shapes like the panli, kalukutok, pambonot,
pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang,
pangapak, bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the gulgureta.
Each net type responds to various needs and uses. There are also
various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and
pangalalo. POINTS
OF INTEREST First
Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan) - Marks the first strong line
of defense of combined Phil. and USAFFE troops against the Japanese
invasion during World War II. Fall
of Bataan Marker (Balanga) - This commemorates the fall of Bataan,
in memory of war veterans, living and dead. The marker symbolizes
the courage and the enduring commitment of a Filipino soldier to
his country. Surrender
Site Marker (Balanga) - Marks the spot where the grim surrender
of Bataan and Corregidor was signed by Maj. Gen. Edward King Jr.,
on April 9, 1942. Surrender marker can be found within the compound
of Balanga Elementary School. Democracy
Marker - Situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga and
Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan in the fight for freedom
for the preservation of democracy. Death
March Marker (Orani) - The folk arts statue commemorating the defiant
spirit of Bataan, where Death march marches passed on their way
to the prison camp. Dambana
ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) Pilar - Natural shrine atop Mt.
Samat which immortalizes the agony of the Filipino and Americans
against the forces of aggression and articulates the Commitment
of the Filipino people to freedom and dignity. Tomas
Pinpin Monument - In memory of first Filipino printer. It was in
Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and printed the earliest
books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610 Mt.
Samat - Was the scene of the most heroic defensive battle during
World War II. First
Abucay Catholic Church - On this site a fierce battle between the
Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in June
23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.
It housed the first printing press in the country which outdated
any single press in the US Mt.
Malasimbo - A cinica-shaped mountain cinsidered as a weather forcasting
device predicting a coming typhoon when its summit is covered with
dark clouds. The
Main Battle Position (Abucay Town) - The battle possition of the
USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay -Morong Line, under the War
Plan Orange 3. The then second Lieutenant Alexander R. Miniger,
Jr., 57th Infantry (PS) Gainsville, Georgia was posthumously decorated
the Congressional Medal for an action on this line 12 January 1942,
and became the first America´s highest military decoration. Abucay
Municipal Building - A historic relic of one of the largest town
of Bataan. Bankal
Settlement -A newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain
their traditional customs and usages in accordance with our cultural
heritage. Battle
of Toul Pocket Marker (Bagac) - Marks the significant pockers where
a battle ensued as a prelude to the final defense in Bataan. The
series of fights to eliminate the Japanese forces known as the Battle
of Pockets fought from Jan 27 to Feb. 17. Sibul
Spring - A tourist potential with sulfuric swimming pool and wide
area for outdoor recreation. Pasukulan
Falls - A natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh
vegetation and unexplored area. Bagak
Town - Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March
that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation. Maria
Canon Statue - This tower was erected for the repose of many dead
souls in the Philippines during World War 2 by the Mie-ken Daiichi
Shueesec of the Japanese Sohtohshuh Spot, September 1978. Philippine-Japan
Friendship Tower - This symbolizes that after a war, there is a
period of reconciliation, peace and friendship. Kaytibong
Falls - This natural waterfalls remains to be developed. Roosevelt
National Park - A forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures
and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game
hunting. Catholic
Church Belfry - This was used as a site for Japanese artillery bombardment
of Mt. Samat where both Filipino and American Forces gave their
last stand. Lamao
World War II Marker - World War II exempted almost no place in the
province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and Corregidor deserves
a marker. Alangan
River - In Bataan every place is a place to go. No small creek or
river is without a tint of history and of practical value. BEPZA
- The Bataan export Processing Zone Authority is the site of many
foreign based factories and companies producing items ranging from
dolls to automobiles for export. Flaming
Sword - A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face
of external threats to the nation´s democracy and peace Final
Battle Site Marker - To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan
defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death. Battle
of Trail 2 (Capot Hill) - A point where several men died in defense
of freedom and democracy. Dunsulan
Falls - Ideal site for pocnics and inland swimming. U.N.
Refuge Center - Located in Morong Town. A temporary resettlement
area and processing center for Indo-Chinese refugees migrating to
European, American and Facific countries. Nuclear
Power Plant - The country´s first controversial commercial
nuclear power plant with a capacity of 620 megawatts. Cayetano
Arellano Marker - Located on Orion Town. This marks Orion, as the
birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Francisco
Balagtas Monument - In honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot,
this monument was erected. Sitio
Diwa - A full-pledged barangay but a glorious example of a small
village which answered the call for the united defense against foreign
aggressors. HOTELS
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