Mount Samat rehab plan requires P 3B budget

Mount Samat rehab plan requires P 3B budget

By  Raffy C. Viray

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia has revealed the other day  that a P 3 billion budget  is required  for the implementation of  the comprehensive eco-tourism development plan  of the historic  Mount Samat Shrine of Valor  located in  the upland village of Diwa, Pilar town, Bataan.

Garcia explained that Mount Samat Shrine Tourism Enterprise Zone Authority (MSSEZ), the second flagship program under theTourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) of the Department of Tourism (DOT) next to Luneta Park in Manila, is  still waiting for the approval of the TIEZA Board of Directors of the  Integrated  Eco-Tourism  Development Master Plan prepared by Berksman, a consultancy firm .

He said the Mount Samat eco-tourism development plan  enshrined  the passion of heroism and patriotism in the hearts of the Filipino youth and the future generation to come as the fitting memorial to the heroic struggle and sacrifices of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought and died in that historic bastion of freedom.

According to the Governor, Mount Samat Shrine is one of the five places in the country which was selected as a tourism enterprise zone that would provide local and foreign investors with numerous fiscal incentives, infrastructures, and other support from all concerned government agencies under the Republic Act  9593 or Tourism Act  of 2009.

He said under the proposed comprehensive development master plan, four years from now  Mount Samat Shrine  and its environs will be the premier Philippine tourism site  for heroism and valor but it will be one that is in harmony with nature  and amenities, that  aims to bring out the best in every one who visits the place.

Garcia cited the important role of the tourism industry as an engine of growth and the rehabilitation of Mount Samat Shrine would create more jobs to the community, expansion of tourism-oriented businesses like souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants and other pertinent services that would further enhance  local economy.