Mt. Samat as a tourist enterprise zone

PILAR, Bataan – Major developments are now underway for the conversion of Mount Samat and its environs as a world-class war memorial and premier tourist spot not just in Central Luzon but the whole country as well.

In a recent news briefing, Bataan Governor Albert Raymond Garcia told reporters that the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) would establish the Mount Samat Shrine Tourism Enterprise Zone. Garcia added that this would attract more investors including local and foreign tourists. He said the project is presently among the flagship programs of TIEZA.

Mark Lapid, son of Senator Lito Lapid is the chief operating officer of TIEZA. Pilar Mayor Alice Pizarro in a news conference said that at present, a technical working group is being formed to draft the Mount Samat master plan that is expected to be completed within six months. Pizarro added that several companies including the developer of Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac town already signified interest to invest in the area.

Based on 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 the 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, the shrine 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.