Bataan Province
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.

BRIEF PROFILE
Capital:	Balanga City
Land Area:	1,372.98 km²
Population:	687,482 (2010)
Cities:	Balanga
Munacipalities:	11
Barangays:	237
Districts:	1st and 2nd districts of Bataan
Languages:	Tagalog, Kapampangan, English

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.

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.

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.

Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

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.

People, Culture and the Arts

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.

The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried fish). Orani used to have large tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and primarily for local consumption.

Events and Holidays

Feast Days and Festivals

Feast days, or "fiesta", as more popularly known, are always good memories to cherish. A lot of activities are in store for the entertainment of the people. There are fairs, carnivals, bargain shops, craft shops, amateur singing and dancing contests, musical shows, beauty pageants, and even a Miss Gay contest to the delight of the audience because of the hilarious and crazy antics of the contestants. On the eve of a fiesta there is often a "serenata" (brass band) exhibition or contest in the plaza. On the big day, drum and bugle bands would march on the streets with the "karakol" or street dancing lively strutting along their wake.

Flores de Mayo (May)

A daily devotion to the Virgin Mary by offering flowers throughout the month. Highlighted with "santacruzan" or "sagala", a parade of beautiful Bataeña debutantes participate in full regale amidst flowers.

Holy Week (March-April)

Holy Week is another awaited holiday for there are lots of activities and events held in church or in the town plaza. Starting from Ash Wednesday that ushers in the season of Lent, "kubols" are set up in every barangay for the "pabasa", wherein the life and passion of Jesus Christ is read through chanting by devotees on all hours of the day. A week-long activity, from "Linggo ng Palaspas" (Palm Sunday) to "salubong" (Easter Sunday), is prepared in church. On Maundy Thursday, "pagulong" starts in preparation for the "penitensiya" the next day. Some devotees do the "Bisita Iglesia" and read the Station of the Cross on different parishes. Early on Good Friday people would flock the town plaza or main streets to watch the "penitensiya" (flagellants) and the "senakulo", a passion play depicting the sufferings of Jesus Christ. In the towns of Orani and Samal you can see the real crucifixion of a devotee. At twelve noon, the "Siete Palabras" (Seven Last Words) is chanted in church. At night is the "libing" or burial of Jesus Christ, one of the most attended procession in the province. On Easter Sunday is the "salubong" or "alleluia", another procession celebrating the meeting of the Risen Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bataan Day (April 9)

The Bataan Day Celebration is an annual event of the province. War veterans and their families travel from all over the country to Mount Samat every April 9 to reminisce the past and celebrate the bravery of our soldiers who offered their lives for freedom. Prior to the big day, the Provincial Government and the Provincial Tourism Office sponsor activities like a photo contest and exhibit, quiz bees, beauty pageants, trade fairs, and a drum and bugle competition/exhibition.

Paskuhan sa Mabatang (December)

Christmas is a much-awaited season for everyone. In Mabatang, Abucay the joys of Christmas is extended to the streets. Every "sitio" in the barangay is lavishly adorned and lighted to the obvious delight of everyone. People from all over the province and nearby towns would drive around Mabatang to check out the new gimmick Abukeños have come up for this year. It shows the creativity and ingenuity of the people.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Bagak Town

Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation.

Camaliw Falls

This natural falls presents a project idea for tourism and recreational development.

Kaytibong Falls

This natural waterfalls remains to be developed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mt. Samat

Was the scene of the most heroic defensive battle during World War II.

Mt. Malasimbo

A cinica-shaped mountain cinsidered as a weather forcasting device predicting a coming typhoon when its summit is covered with dark clouds.

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.

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.

Roosevelt National Park

A forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game hunting.

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.

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.

Climate

The climate in this province is of the forst type which is composed of two pronounced season starts in November and ends up in April, and the wet season from May to October.

Religion

Roman Chatholicism is the predominant religion followed by Protestantism and others.

Language / Dialect

Tagalog as their common language is widely used followed by Pampango and Ilocano.

How to get there

Land transportation is provided by three bus companies: The Philippine Rabbit and Pantranco Bus Liner ply the Bataan-Manila route while the Victory Liner services the Bataan-Olongapo route. An array of mini-buses, jeepneys, and tricycles fill the gaps in the intermunicipal road with Balanga as the Terminal point. Mini buses enroute for Manila, Olongapo, and San Fernando, Pampanga are also available in the capital town.

Travel by air is yet very limited. Bataan has no modern airport, only low standard airstrips and helipads are available to government and private airplanes and helicopters. There are 5 industrial enterprises that have that have these airstrips for their usage. These are the Bataan Pulp and Paper Mills, Inc. in Samal; Bataan Export Processing Zone and Landoil Multinational Village both in the town of Mariveles and Petrophil in Limay.

Travel by sea-Bataan waters are navigable by both inter-island and international vessels to and from the province. Four (4) national, one (1) municipal, and (4) private piers are serving and accommodating vessels transporting gppds and passengers in and out of the province. Passenger vessels consist of a ferry boat "Overcraft" with three trips plying to and from Mariveles and Manila and EPZA 1 which ferry EPZA quests. Dicking point is at BASECO, Port of Mariveles. Because of the short distance to Corregidor, passengers prefer to travel by boat at a convenience as well as view the historical place.