Corregidor Island Hotel
& Resort
Bataan History...
Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel
Arandia out of territories belonging to Pampanga and the corregimiento
of Mariveles, which at the time included Maragondon in Cavite across
the bay.
The province had had more than its share of significant historical
events. In 1647, Dutch Naval Forces attempting to invade the country
perpetrated the Abucay massacre in one of its towns. In the late
1700s, the dreaded Chinese private Limahong used Lusong Point on
the western sides as the landing place to launch his conquest of
Luzon. In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other
provinces in Luzon, which revolted against Spanish rule.
It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained notoriety
that would find it a place in the annals of world history. Under
heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese
forces, the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended
this last bastion until the historic 'Fall of Bataan'on April 9,
1942.
Brief Description
Discover the magic of the Philippines’ Third Region with this
amazing historical and cultural province, only an hour by ferryboat
across the bay from Manila. Until recently not a traditional tourist
destination, Bataan is now proving to be a tourist haven boasting
a multitude of exciting places to visit, and interesting things
to do. The province has much to offer a rich culture and history,
the beauty of unspoilt beaches, and a warm hospitality that is truly
Filipino.
Geography
Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields
the Manila Bay on its south and east from the South China Sea on
its west. Zambales and Pampanga form its boundaries on the north.
Political Subdivision
Balanga City, 124 km. from Manila, is the provincial capital. The
twelve towns lying in its coast integrade 238 barangays and 11 cultural
minorities or sitios.
Climate
The climate consists of two distinct seasons: dry from November
to April and wet during the rest of the year.
Population
The population of Bataan for the year 2000 was 552,000 based on
the growth rate of 2.12% in Central Luzon.
Language / Dialect
Tagalog is the main language and is widely used, followed by Pampango
and Ilocano. English is used mostly as the medium of transaction
in business.
Major Industries
Bataan remains basically an agricultural province in spite of the
rapid industrialization during the last decade. Mariveles is the
site of an export-processing zone that accounts for heavy industry
in the province. Cattle and carabao fattening, hog raising, and
poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg production,
are some of the promising livelihood programs in the province.
Bataan Is Famous For...
Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat
The famous bell hangs atop the popular Mount Samat located in Pilar
town. It was built in loving memory of the soldiers of World War
II, including those who perished in Bataan soil during the tragic
Fall of Bataan and Death March in 1942.
Fine Beaches
Excellent beach destinations await visitors in the towns of Morong
and Bagac.
Tinapa
Among the livelihood products of the coastal towns in the province
is the tinapa (processed fish).
Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower
The structure situated in Bagac is the symbol of a post-World War
II period of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the once
warring nations.
Bataan Nuclear Plant
World War II Markers
Bataan was a major historical witness of World War II, especially
as the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this
last bastion until the tragic Fall of Bataan in April 1942. Among
the markers preserving these memories are the First Line of Defense
Marker in Layac, General King Marker in Lamao, Surrender Site Marker
in Balanga, Death March Markers in Bagac and Mariveles.
Sibul Spring
A potential prime tourist destination in the province, the spring
located in Sibucay is blessed with sulfuric swimming pools and a
wide area for outdoor recreation. Its main attraction is the natural
spring believed able to provide muscle pain relief.
Sto. Domingo Abucay Church
The 414-year-old church was constructed in 1587 after the rich Spanish
style of the day. Today it stands as a living witness to the massacre
of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch naval
invaders on June 16, 1647.
Tomas Pinpin Monument
The prominent figure stands at Calaylayan in Abucay in loving memory
of the famous Filipino painter.
Dinalupihan Nature Center
The unspoiled forest area situated in Dinalupihan is ideal for picnics
and camping. It offers facilities as well for irrigation and game
hunting. The surrounding area is great for day hikes and trekking.
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