Master plan for Mt. Samat Shrine TEZ crafted

PILAR, Bataan – The Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) on Wednesday led the formulation of the “Tourism Master Plan for the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ)” at the Pilar Government Center in Barangay Alauli of this historic town.

Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia led the local officials namely Pilar Mayor Alice Pizarro, Metro Bataan Development Authority General Manager Charlie Pizarro, provincial capitol department heads, Pilar village chiefs and various officials from different government agencies, sectoral groups and the private sector in contributing their insights and ideas in setting the vision and mission for the development of the said flagship TEZ project.

The project according to Atty. Joy Bulauitan of TIEZA is the first in Central Luzon and third in the Luzon area. “First we had flagship TEZs in San Vicente, Palawan and Rizal Park Complex then this Mt. Samat project is our third flagship TEZ,” she said.

Garcia further added this would attract more investors including local and foreign tourists. “Napakalaking oportunidad para sa Bataan. Ito na yung pagkakataon natin para madevelop ito maka attract sa local and global tourism, At makapagbigay ng panibagong love of country, inspiration sa ating mga susunod na mga henerasyon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Pizarro added that several companies and developers already signified interest to invest in the area.”Mt. Samat is considered as the tourism icon of Bataan we are blessed with natural beauty plus man-made structures in various tourism spots. This project will boost not just the tourism and investment potentials of our province,” the lady mayor said.

Based on the implementation of the plan, the 302-feet shrine will not be taken from the custody of the Department of National Defense but will serve as a guide to sustain the tourism industry in the province. The tourism projects will become visible to potential investors, business ventures and will be integrated in each tourism project. The local government is aiming for investments to further develop tourist spots at Mt. Samat Shrine area and its environs for the construction of resorts, hotels and other business establishments that will promote Bataan as a major tourist destination.

Tour packages for local and foreign travelers will also be included in the plan. Every year, during the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) which falls on April 9, theshrine is the site of remembrance for the heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who defended the Bataan peninsula against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

War veteran Luis Siasat thanked the officials of various agencies about the project. “Dahil alam po natin na ang lugar na ito sa Mt. Samat marami pong nagbuwis ng buhay dito marapat lamang na magkaroon ng ganyan kagandang proyekto. Sana ay abutin pa namin at makita ang napakagandang proyektong iyan,” Siasat stressed.

Some of the benefits of flagship TEZ include fiscal and non-fiscal incentives like free importation, tax holiday, and promotion abroad.