Bataan Allocates Php 3-B for Mt. Samat Redressing

Three billion pesos has been allocated by the Provincial Government of Bataan for the renovation of the historic Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan in line with the province’s mission to make the sanctuary a world-class tourism center by the year 2020.

This project aims to keep the 250 hectares shrine a lasting tribute to the heroic struggles of the Filipino soldiers in the Bataan peninsula during World War II.

The Mt. Samat Shrine is the second historical site chosen by TIEZA after Rizal Park in Manila. It is projected to attract two million visitors.

A comprehensive master plan to turn Mt. Samat National Shrine into a world-class memorial landmark has been submitted to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Bataan Governor Albert Raymond Garcia said that 250 hectares will be renovated following the master plan prepared by Berkman, an urban and environmental development planning firm, in consultation with the Bataan Peninsula Tourism Council Foundation.

Garcia added that the Mt. Samat Shrine is one of the five sites identified as eco-tourism enterprise zones by TIEZA, which would provide fiscal and tax incentives, infrastructure and other support.

To start in the second half of 2017, major improvements will be made on the memorial cross, colonnade, museum, stage, open spaces and landscaped areas for sculptures, relics and art installations while preserving the sacred character of the shrine.

The governor added that planned tourism attractions include a Tomb for the Unknown Soldiers and a center for World War II Studies. A zip line is also included in the plan. The renovation will create more jobs for the people of Bataan and nearby areas.

The Mt. Samat National Shrine was built in 1970. However, it lacks hotels, shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities that would make people stay on even after the Araw ng Kagitingan annual celebration.