Bataan – History Hub of Central Luzon

Bataan is one of the most historical provinces in the Philippines. Every town and city in the province has its own story to tell about World War II. Filipino, American, and Japanese blood were shed on almost every part of Bataan during the war. Bataan’s fall to the Japanese Imperial Army signified the beginning of a new era in Philippine history.

Demographics

1. Population – 662,153 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 1,373 sq. km
3. Capital – Balanga City
4.Language/Dialect – Tagalog, Pampango, Ilocano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

• Balanga City

Municipalities (11)

• Abucay
• Bagac
• Dinalupihan
• Hermosa
• Limay
• Mariveles
• Morong
• Orani
• Orion
• Pilar
• Samal

World War II Battleground and Markers
Bataan was the site of the most grueling battle in Philippine History – World War II. As such, the province is filled with numerous markers, memorial sites, and shrines in honor of the fallen Filipino, American, and Japanese soldiers who fought during the war.

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
This controversial structure was supposed to supply power for Metro Manila and nearby provinces but because of safety concerns and lobbying of environment oriented groups, the power plant was never used until now.

Cultural

Tomas Pinpin Monument
Location: Mabatang Plaza, Brgy. Ibayo, Abucay, Bataan
The monument honors Tomas Pinpin, dubbed as the First Filipino Printer. It was in Abucay Church where he printed the earliest books in the country in 1610.

Bataan Technology Park Inc.
Location: Morong, Bataan
This 365 hectare of land is found along the rolling hills of the Morong Special Economic Zone. The park was formerly the site of the Philippine Regugee Processing Center (PRPC) which existed from 1980 to 1994, and was a second-asylum camp for Indochinese refugees.

Historical

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor)
Location: Mt. Samat, Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
It was completed and inaugurated in 1970, consisting of a Colonnade and the huge Memorial Cross. The two structures were built in honor of the heroic struggle and sacrifices of the Filipinos who fought and died during World War II.

Surrender Site Marker
Location: Balanga Elementary School, Balanga City, Bataan
On April 9, 1942, Major General Edward King and his party signed the documents for the surrender of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) forces in the Philippines to the Japanese forces led by Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

Filipino - Japanese Friendship Tower
Location: Bagac, Bataan
The monument was built by Rissho Kosei Kai Group in 1975as a symbol of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the two nations.

Zero Kilometer Marker
Location: Bacag, Bataan and Mariveles, Bataan
This is where 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war started to march 80-mile (97 km) for three months towards Camp O’ Donell in Capas, Tarlac. The death march began on April 10 from Mariveles and on April 11 from Bagac. Most of these soldiers died in hunger, fatigue, or from the unspeakable actions of the Japanese forces.

First Line of Defense Marker
Location: Rotonda, Layac, Dinalupihan, Bataan
It marks the first strong line of defense of combined Philippines USAFFE Troops against Japanese invasion during WW II.

Fall of Bataan Marker
Location: Capitol Compound, Balanga City
This marker is dedicated to the memory of the gallant Filipino and American soldiers as well as civilians who died in defense of democracy.

Flaming Sword
Location: Brgy. Panilao, Pilar, Bataan
The sword symbolizes the display of Filipino courage and gallantry during the war.

Final Battle Site
Location: Brgy. Diwa, Pilar, Bataan
After months of battle, 6th of April, the Japanese had overwhelmed all resistance offered by the 23rd and 22d Infantry Regiments resulting to the Surrender of Bataan.

Balanga Catholic Church Belfry
Location: Balanga, Bataan
The church was used as the site for the Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces took their last stand in Bataan.

Maria Canon Statue
Location: Sibul Spring, Brgy. Gabon, Abucay, Bataan
Built in September 1970, the monument was erected for the repose of the souls of the soldiers who died at Brgy. Gabon in Abucay.

Man-made

Pawikan Conservation Center
Location: Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan
Headed by Bantay Pawikan, Inc. the conservation center is concentrating its efforts on the protection of nesting turtles, collection and hatching of eggs and releasing of hatchlings to the sea.

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
Location: Napot Point, Morong, Bataan
The structure was the only attempt of the Philippines to establish a nuclear power plant to combat the 1973 oil crisis. It was built during the Marcos regime but was never used until now due to the defects found, such as it was built near a major earthquake fault line.

Natural

Dunsulan Falls
Location: Limay, Bataan
This enchanting falls is found in the heart of a forested hill behind the famous Mt. Samat in Pilar. Tourists come here for picnic and swimming.

Pasukulan Falls
Location: Abucay, Bataan
Fresh vegetation abound this falls found in the valley of Mt. Natib. Picnic is recommended in this area.

Dinalupihan Natural Park
Location: Brgy. Roosevelt, Dinalupihan, Bataan
This forest reservation ideal for picnics and camping activities. The cool water of the pool offers a fun place for visitors bent on having a dip. For the more adventurous, visitors can go jungle trekking.

Mt. Natib
Location: Balanga City, Bataan
A dormant volcano rising to 1253 meters that provides a commanding view of the surrounding towns. It offers mountain climbers and nature lovers not only the pleasant cool mountain air but also a lush growth including exotic plant species and rare wildlife.

Religious

Nuestra Senora Virgen Del Rosario
Location: Orani, Bataan
This Diocesan Marian Shrine is a recognized pilgrimage church by the Vatican. Plenary indulgences are usually granted every first Saturday and on October 7.

Bataan Day
Place: all over Bataan Province
Date: April 9
During this province-wide event, war veterans and their families travel from all over the country to Mount Samat to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who offered their lives for freedom during World War II. Activities such as photo contest, exhibits, quiz bees, beauty pageants, trade fairs, and drum and bugle competition or exhibition, are also held during Bataan Day.