Reenactment of “Battle of Pockets” in Balanga

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, Bataan- This year’s commemoration of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” may be the most memorable one as provincial and tourism officials are now preparing various noteworthy activities that will attract thousands of visitors.

Bataan Tourism Council Foundation Inc. (BTCFI) President, Mrs. Vicky Sandejas-Garcia, said that among the programs that will highlight the event will be the reenactment of actual skirmishes between the Japanese invaders and the Filipino-American forces during the World War II, dubbed as the “Battle of Pockets” in Balanga.
Said reenactment will be held at the sprawling Balanga Elementary School grounds where the human-size concrete monument of the Japanese and American war leaders signing the formal surrender of Bataan forces can be found. Mrs. Garcia added that last year, the heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers during the Battle of Abucay town, one of the fiercest battles in Bataan, was rekindled.

Also lined up for commemoration of the “Araw ng Kagitingan” are the Galing Bataan Trade Fair featuring the best among Bataan products, destinations and services which will open on April 7 at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga.

Always hands-on in tourism activities to promote the tourism potential of Bataan, Mrs. Garcia said that they will tap the support of the first ladies of all the towns and city of Bataan where, she pointed out, they will feature their own local native products, historically fun activities and programs to further entertain the public.

According to Mrs Garcia, around 200 Japanese nationals have signified their intention to attend, aside from other foreign guests, this year’s “Araw ng Kagitingan” celebration.