HISTORY OF BATAAN

Bataan peninsula is located southwards from the western shores of central Luzon, forming the
enclosed and well-sheltered Manila Bay to the east that is nearly cut off from the open China Sea in
the west. The narrow outlet separates the peninsula from Corregidor Island and Cavite to the south.
The provinces of Zambales and Pampanga form common boundaries to the north. About 80% of
Bataan is mountainous or hilly with Mount Mariveles and Mount Natib dominating the interior. Most of
the agricultural portion of Bataan is in the north and east. The province experiences two pronounced
seasons; dry from November until April and the wet from May to October. During World War II it was
the scene of heavy fighting between Allied and Japanese forces from January 6, 1942, to April 9,
1942. Bataan fell to Japan on April 9 and was retaken by an American force on February 17, 1945.

HISTORY
Several villages in the coastal plains of Bataan were already thriving communities when Spanish
missionaries found them in the 1570s. Bataan, then known as Vatan, was part of the vast
Capampangan Empire that included what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac,
and some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan, These coastal villages were inhabited by
natives who were predominantly fishermen, farmers and craftsmen. Meanwhile, the hillsides were
inhabited by nomadic Aeta tribes.
Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region
was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns
of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that
was under the jurisdiction of the Recollect Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The province of
Pampanga included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa and San
Juan de Dinalupihan. The latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the
twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.
Long before the outbreak of Word War II, Bataan already earned herself a secure place in the history
of the Philippines. The prince of Filipino printers, Tomas Pinpin, a native of Abucay, who either
authored or co-authored some of the oldest books in the Philippines and printed them himself
between 1610 to 1639 in the printing press located inside the Abucay Catholic Church. In 1647, the
plundering Dutch Naval forces were resisted in Bataan, the defenders ultimately chose the glory of
death to the ignominy of surrender.

Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo
Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were
instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion
became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the
first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
When the Pacific War broke out in 1941, the selection of the peninsula as the locale of the last
defensive stand by the USAFFE against the invading Japanese forces brought fame and infamy to
Bataan. The loss of life and property cannot be estimated. Bataan then became the symbol of valor
and tenacity in its hopeless stand against the much superior invading Japanese Imperial Forces.
Today, a national landmark called the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) stands majestically on
top of the Mt. Samat in Pilar as testimony to the gallantry and sacrifices of the men and women who
with their blood, tears, and sweat made the grounds of Bataan hallow.

People, Culture and the Arts

Most of the 424,000 people living in Bataan are Tagalogs. Kapampangans comprise a significant
minority of less than 10% and are concentrated in the municipalities adjoining the province of
Pampanga. Recent rapid industrialization has lured thousands of people from other provinces to
settle within Bataan.
The province of Bataan has always been linked closely to the culture and economy of Manila. Much of
what the province produces is exported to Manila. The primary traditional industry of Bataan is
fishing. It is the home of thousands of fishermen whose industry has spawned a unique craft of net
and fishtrap making. Nets produced in Bataan take on various forms and shapes like the panli,
kalukutok, pambonot, pansiliw, panitig, mananacag hipon, panglusong, hila-hila, kitang, pangapak,
bintol, salambaw, dala, bating, pangalabaw and the gulgureta. Each net type responds to various
needs and uses. There are also various fishtraps like the saluhin, paclang, aguila, panghipon and
pangalalo.
The province exports the excess of its fish catch and the town of Orion is famous for its tuyo (dried
fish). Orani used to have large tracts of nipa groves, which used to produce a native beverage called
tuba. Tuba is still produced but in smaller quantities and primarily for local consumption.

Events and Holidays

Feast Days and Festivals
Feast days, or "fiesta", as more popularly known, are always good memories to cherish. A lot of
activities are in store for the entertainment of the people. There are fairs, carnivals, bargain shops,
craft shops, amateur singing and dancing contests, musical shows, beauty pageants, and even a Miss
Gay contest to the delight of the audience because of the hilarious and crazy antics of the
contestants. On the eve of a fiesta there is often a "serenata" (brass band) exhibition or contest in
the plaza. On the big day, drum and bugle bands would march on the streets with the "karakol" or
street dancing lively strutting along their wake.
Flores de Mayo (May)
A daily devotion to the Virgin Mary by offering flowers throughout the month. Highlighted with
"santacruzan" or "sagala", a parade of beautiful Bataea debutantes participate in full regale amidst
flowers.
Holy Week (March-April)
Holy Week is another awaited holiday for there are lots of activities and events held in church or in
the town plaza. Starting from Ash Wednesday that ushers in the season of Lent, "kubols" are set up in
every barangay for the "pabasa", wherein the life and passion of Jesus Christ is read through chanting
by devotees on all hours of the day. A week-long activity, from "Linggo ng Palaspas" (Palm Sunday) to
"salubong" (Easter Sunday), is prepared in church. On Maundy Thursday, "pagulong" starts in
preparation for the "penitensiya" the next day. Some devotees do the "Bisita Iglesia" and read the
Station of the Cross on different parishes. Early on Good Friday people would flock the town plaza or
main streets to watch the "penitensiya" (flagellants) and the "senakulo", a passion play depicting the
sufferings of Jesus Christ. In the towns of Orani and Samal you can see the real crucifixion of a
devotee. At twelve noon, the "Siete Palabras" (Seven Last Words) is chanted in church. At night is the
"libing" or burial of Jesus Christ, one of the most attended procession in the province. On Easter
Sunday is the "salubong" or "alleluia", another procession celebrating the meeting of the Risen Lord
and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bataan Day (April 9)

The Bataan Day Celebration is an annual event of the province. War veterans and their families travel
from all over the country to Mount Samat every April 9 to reminisce the past and celebrate the
bravery of our soldiers who offered their lives for freedom. Prior to the big day, the Provincial
Government and the Provincial Tourism Office sponsor activities like a photo contest and exhibit, quiz
bees, beauty pageants, trade fairs, and a drum and bugle competition/exhibition.
Paskuhan sa Mabatang (December)
Christmas is a much-awaited season for everyone. In Mabatang, Abucay the joys of Christmas is
extended to the streets. Every "sitio" in the barangay is lavishly adorned and lighted to the obvious
delight of everyone. People from all over the province and nearby towns would drive around
Mabatang to check out the new gimmick Abukeos have come up for this year. It shows the creativity
and ingenuity of the people.
Points of Interest
First Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan)
Marks the first strong line of defense of combined Phil. and USAFFE troops against the Japanese
invasion during World War II.
Democracy Marker
Situated at the provincial boundary between Pampanga and Bataan which depicts the role of Bataan
in the fight for freedom for the preservation of democracy.
Death March Marker (Orani)
The folk arts statue commemorating the defiant spirit of Bataan, where Death march marches passed
on their way to the prison camp.
Tomas Pinpin Monument
In memory of first Filipino printer. It was in Abucay church where Tomas Pinpin co-authored and
printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610.
First Abucay Catholic Church
On this site a fierce battle between the Dutch and the natives together with defenders took place in
June 23, 1647. The church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It housed the first printing
press in the country which outdated any single press in the US
The Main Battle Position (Abucay Town)
The battle possition of the USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay -Morong Line, under the War Plan
Orange 3. The then second Lieutenant Alexander R. Miniger, Jr., 57th Infantry (PS) Gainsville, Georgia
was posthumously decorated the Congressional Medal for an action on this line 12 January 1942, and
became the first Americas highest military decoration.
Abucay Municipal Building
A historic relic of one of the largest town of Bataan.
Bankal Settlement

A newly created barangay where the Actas still maintain their traditional customs and usages in
accordance with our cultural heritage.
Bagak Town
Zero Kilometer Marker. The start of the infamous Death March that also marks the beginning of
Japanese control over the nation.
Camaliw Falls
This natural falls presents a project idea for tourism and recreational development.
Kaytibong Falls
This natural waterfalls remains to be developed.
Catholic Church Belfry
This was used as a site for Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where both Filipino and
American Forces gave their last stand.
Lamao World War II Marker
World War II exempted almost no place in the province that this town overlooking Manila Bay and
Corregidor deserves a marker.
Flaming Sword
A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external threats to the nations
democracy and peace.
Final Battle Site Marker
To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death.
Battle of Trail 2 (Capot Hill)
A point where several men died in defense of freedom and democracy.
Dunsulan Falls
Ideal site for pocnics and inland swimming.
Sitio Diwa
A full-pledged barangay but a glorious example of a small village which answered the call for the
united defense against foreign aggressors