340 BALIKBAYANS GO ON A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY TO BATAAN

The 13th round of tourists organized by the Phil. Embassy to the United States in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) brought 340 balikbayans here in Bataan.In an interview with former Pilar Mayor Alice Pizarro, now Provincial Tourism Officer, the balikbayans were amazed and tearful as they traced their roots, especially when the significance of Bataan in the World War II was discussed and they saw the dioramas depicting atrocities of the war, particularly the infamous Death March, which according to Ms. Pizarro has an effect to the younger generation. By and large, it was a nostalgic journey.
Ms. Pizarro said that she’s happy that Bataan is included in the packages that the Dept of Tourism offers to tourists from around the globe, adding that they still need to improve their tour packages or tour collaterals and establish more tie ups with tour operators to entice more tourists to visit Bataan.
Included in the itinerary of the 340 balikbayans, are the Surrender Site at the Balanga Elementary School, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar and an overnight stay at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac before proceeding to Clark, El Nido in Palawan and back to Manila.