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. 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 HolidaysFeast 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 Bataena 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 Abukenos 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. nd 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 USThe 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 BuildingA historic relic of one of the largest town of Bataan. Bankal SettlementA newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain their traditional customs and usages in accordance with our cultural heritage. Bagak TownZero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of Japanese control over the nation.
Camaliw FallsThis natural falls presents a project idea for tourism and recreational development. Kaytibong FallsThis natural waterfalls remains to be developed. Catholic Church BelfryThis 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 MarkerWorld War II exempted almost no place in the province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and Corregidor deserves a marker. Flaming SwordA symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external threats to the nation?s democracy and peace.
Final Battle Site MarkerTo 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 FallsIdeal site for pocnics and inland swimming. Sitio DiwaA 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. MalasimboA 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 SpringA tourist potential with sulfuric swimming pool and wide area for outdoor recreation.
Pasukulan FallsA natural wonder at the valley of Mt. Natib which has fresh vegetation and unexplored area. Maria Canon StatueThis 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 TowerThis symbolizes that after a war, there is a period of reconciliation, peace and friendship. Roosevelt National ParkA forest reservation ideal for outdoor adventures and Boy Scout Camporal area with facilities for irrigation and game hunting.
Alangan RiverIn Bataan every place is a place to go. No small creek or river is without a tint of history and of practical value. BEPZAThe 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 CenterLocated in Morong Town. A temporary resettlement area and processing center for Indo-Chinese refugees migrating to European, American and Facific countries. Nuclear Power PlantThe country?s first controversial commercial nuclear power plant with a capacity of 620 megawatts.
Cayetano Arellano MarkerLocated on Orion Town. This marks Orion, as the birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Francisco Balagtas MonumentIn honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot, this monument was erected. ClimateThe 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. ReligionRoman Chatholicism is the predominant religion followed by Protestantism and others. Language / DialectTagalog as their common language is widely used followed by Pampango and Ilocano.
How to get thereLand 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. PM’s Fork: The Food Of Bagac, Bataan, PH I live in a far away place. Even in my own province, the town of Bagac is considered far. It is 28 kms away from the city and it is a pretty rural town. When I was in college my friend and I would joke that this place is so barriotic.
There is only one rural bank without an ATM service, no movie house, not even a restaurant! But what Bagac lacks in glam, it makes up for with scenic views, fresh air, and many other environment wonders. The food is very Filipino, simple and humble, rich in seafood and fresh produce. After all, Bagac is primarily a farming and fishing town. However, you cannot truly say that the food from here is ordinary because like other places in the country, there are those plates that truly count as the town’s own delicacies. Only in Bagac, shall we say? Just last weekend I had a taste f this unique Filipino food that is distinctly from Bagac. On the menu: bayawak (monitor lizard) adobo, bolinao (fish) tinola, and cashew curly cookies. While these main dishes are not everyday food here, they are a must try. I think they qualify as exotic food, at least bayawak adobo is for sure! It was my first time to sample them too (thanks Daddy! ) because as much as I want to say I am a food lover, I cannot say my tongue is truly adventurous. But I guess because I ate these dishes I am going in the right direction! Let me tell you something about bayawak adobo.
It looks every bit like regular chicken adobo only that it is made from the meat of a monitor lizard. I must admit it took a lot of courage on my end to eat it but I thought “Hey, there is no harm in trying anything once right? ” so I grabbed one meaty cut and into my mouth it went. I found that there was nothing exactly like the meat of bayawak. It is similar to chicken but it has more flavor, like a sweetness to it. But the texture is more like beef. You have to really chew it and break the meat apart and there is a good heartiness to it.
The flavor is really full bodied considering that it was a reptile that I was eating. Actually it was not awful like I thought it would be! So I went for more and tasted the skin. On the photo, the skin is the little black parts that you see on the meat. There is really not much flavor on the skin or any crispiness but what struck me the most was the texture. You can actually feel the ridges on the skin and with this comes the disturbing reminder that “Hey, you are actually eating a monitor lizard here! ”Next is bolinao tinola. I think the main component is the same fish used in dried dilis.
Believe it or not, I was more hesitant to try this than the bayawak adobo. I am not really the biggest fish fan, especially when it is wet and this is practically the epitome of wet fish. You can see the white flesh of the fish and it is soaked in a watery broth. But in the spirit of adventure, I had to give it a try, and you know what, it tasted real nice! What made it for me was the broth. It was spicy because of the leaves of siling labuyo (chili) and it had just the right amount of fishy-ness to it. The ginger adds that wonderful finishing kick and the whole dish just grows on you with every spoonful.
On its own, the fish did not have a lot of flavor and really you have to be careful of ingesting the bones but over all, it is a warm, hearty bowl that I would eat again. If there is one thing I wish Bagac wold be famous for, it would not be for the perfect sunsets or the freshest quality of air, but for these cashew curly cookies. I swear when I get rich I would feed this to the world to make everyone happy. Too bad I do not know how to bake these cookies but they are literally heaven. You should come to Bagac for these cookies alone! They are these little cookies with a cashew nut tucked inside.
See Bagac is famous for its cashews. I think the ones in Antipolo actually came from here! If I am guessing correctly, these cookies are a very special kind of butter cookies. I am not really sure but every piece is buttery, creamy, with the perfect amount of sweetness, and it is just melt in your mouth goodness. You know how sometimes your mouth orgasms when you eat something good? This is really that kind of yummy-ness that you should never miss. I know they do not look like much on the photo but do not let the looks deceive you because you will be surprised how much you can eat in one sitting!
A single container sells for P125 but I assure you, the taste of these cookies are worth more than that. I will buy them even if you double that price. So these are the tastes, flavors, and textures that capture my hometown on a plate. Indeed, Bagac is a warm, hearty, exotic, and sweet place all rolled into one. Bataan may be famous for its fall, but its food is definitely going anywhere but that. Featured Scientist : Julian A. Banzon| Julian A. Banzon is a Filipino chemist who devoted his scientific work on renewable sources of chemicals and fuels particularly the production of ethyl esters from sugarcane and coconut.
Personal Information * Birthplace : Balanga City, Bataan, Philipppines * Birth Date : March 25, 1908 Died: September 13, 1988Education * College : University of the Philippines (1930) * Course : Chemistry * Post Graduate (Masteral) : Biophysical Chemistry from Iowa State University (1937)Awards 1. 1986 – National Scientist 2. 1976 – PHILSUGIN Award for research from the Crop Society of the Philippines 3. 1978 – Chemist of the Year Award from the Professional Regulation Commission 4. 1980 – Distinguished Service Award from the Integrated Chemist of the Philippines, Inc| CAYETANO ARELLANOLike the founder of Arellano University, Cayetano S.
Arellano, after whom the University is named, had very humble beginnings and earned his way to the top through assiduous scholarship and hard work. Arellano was born in March 1847, in Orion, Bataan, to Don Servando Arellano, an adventurous Spanish peninsular who tried his luck in the Philippines with apparently little success and to a fair damsel of the place, Do? a Cristy Lonzon. Early on, the boy Cayetano was fascinated by language and the study of philosophy. His parents, despite lack of resources, managed to send him to San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, where Cayetano maintained himself as an agraciado or working student.
After completing his secondary course, he enrolled at the University of Sto. Tomas, where he studied Philology, Philosophy, Theology, and Civil and Canon Law, in preparation for the priesthood. In 1862 at the tender age of fifteen years, he received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy; five years later, the degree of Bachelor of Theology. For some reason, Cayetano did not enter the priesthood but instead took up the study of law, an inclination that manifested itself even when he was pursuing studies for the priesthood. In 1876, he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
Arellano then proceeded to practice his profession until the year 1898. At the same time, he taught law at his alma mater, the University of Sto. Tomas. Students under him who later distinguished themselves in the profession, such as Francisco Ortigas and Valdomero Arhente, would, in later years admit that it was a great privilege and a blessing to have been under such a master as Arellano. At about the time he began his law practice, he met Rosa Bernal, the daughter of the owners of the boarding house where Arellano was then staying. They were married after a short courtship.
From 1887 to 1889, Arellano served as City Councilor of Manila. Recognizing his competence, the government offered him the position of Civil Governor of the City of Manila, which he refused. This was at a time when the country was gripped with revolutionary fervor and this was the reason, perhaps, for his refusal of the appointment. When the Philippine revolutionary government was established, he was appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs. After the war against the United States collapsed and with the advent of American government, Arellano decided to cooperate with the new masters for the good of the country.
He played a principal role in the organization of the courts and in the codification of the marriage and municipal laws and the rules of criminal procedure. In 1899, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the first Filipino ever to hold that position, in which he made a name for himself as one of the country’s greatest jurists. BATAAN PRODUCTS Bataan is known for making net and fishtraps produced in various forms and shapes. Each net type responds to various needs and uses. The province also processed fish such as “Tinapa” and “Tuyo” or dried fish which is exported to various parts of the country.
Mount SamatThis article is about the mountain in Bataan. For the National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan on Mount Samat, see Mount Samat National Shrine. Mount Samat| The 302-ft Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) Memorial Cross located near the summit of Mount Samat| Elevation| 544. 7 m (1,787 ft)[1]| Parent peak| Mount Mariveles| | Mount SamatMap of the Philippines| Location| Pilar, Bataan, Philippines| Range| Zambales Mountains| Coordinates| 14°36?15. 4?N 120°30?27. 3?ECoordinates: 14°36?15. 4?N 120°30?27. 3?E| Geology| Type| Extinct volcano| Volcanic arc/belt| Western Bataan Lineament| Last eruption| Unknown|
Climbing| Easiest route| Mt. Samat Road[1]| Mount Samat (Tagalog pronunciation: [samat]) is a historic mountain in the town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, in the Republic of the Philippines. Located near its summit is the Mount Samat National Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the fallen Filipino and American fallen during World War II. * | GeologyMount Samat is a parasitic cone of Mount Mariveles with no record of historical eruption. The summit of Mount Samat is 9. 2 km (5. 7 mi) NNE of the Mariveles caldera. [2] Mount Samat itself has a 550-metre (1,800 ft) wide crater that opens to the northeast.
The Mount Samat Cross is situated near the edge of the crater rim. [1]Historical significanceAt the start of World War II in 1942 after suffering heavy losses against the Imperial Japanese Army all over Luzon, the Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. After four months of fighting, the 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving soldiers under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942 known as the fall of Bataan. It is the single largest surrender of U. S. oldiers in history and Mariveles, a town in the Baataan province, was their last stronghold after which, together with the Philippine soldiers, they were led on to the 80-mile (130 km) march to Capas, Tarlac known as the Bataan Death March.
The Mount Samat National Shrine shrine was erected as a fitting memorial to the heroic struggle and sacrifices of those soldiers who fought and died in that historic bastion of freedom. [3]Dunsulan FallsDunsulan Falls (14°36?52. 7?N 120°29?33. 8?E) is a waterfall located at the foot of Mount Samat, northeast of the National Shrine in Brgy Liyang, also in Pilar town. 4] Dunsulan falls and river is the main drainage on the crater side of Mount Samat. PAWIKAN CONSERVATION CENTER (Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan) Marine turtles, all seven species of the world, are now highly threatened for extinction- mostly threats by human activities. Poaching, egg gathering, slaughter, illegal fishing and pollution are only some of the direct conflicts caused by man to disgraceful component of the deep. While they outlived their predecessors like the dinosaurs more than 200 million years ago, today their struggles are more serious as they co-exist with man-their worst predator.
The entire Bagac and Morong coasts are known as nesting grounds of three (3) out of five (5) sea turtle species in the country. This includes the Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and the Green Turtle. Efforts to Save Our Endangered Marine TurtlesBataan community organization in Morong named Bantay Pawikan, Inc. started the first community-based conservation program of Marine Turtles with the help of UNDP-GEF-SGP-PRRM and the Provincial Government in 1999. Soon other communities and groups in neighboring towns replicated the conservation work and is going on up to present.
The efforts now collectively contribute in the protection of nesting turtles, collection and hatching of eggs and releasing of hatchlings to the sea. With the growing involvement of people and organizations in Bataan, soon all turtles coming to Bataan beaches will be assured of protected nesting…and hopefully this species will once again flourish to continue their function to maintain the balance and health of the international waters. Tourists and visitors continue to come in droves in this coastal and progressive city in Central Luzon to watch the various species of migratory birds that flock here…
