Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Honorable Mayors of Bataan

Bataan Flag and Seal
 

Balanga: Jose Enrique S. Garcia III
Abucay: Ana D. Santiago
Bagac: Rommel V. del Rosario

Dinalupihan: Joel Jaime P. Payumo
Hermosa: Danilo C. Malana
Limay: Lilvir B. Roque
Mariveles: Jesse I. Concepcion
Morong: Cynthia L. Estanislao
Orani: Benjamin C. Serrano, Jr.
Orion: Jose S. Santos
Pilar: Carlos F. Pizarro, Jr.
Samal: Generosa "Gene" Malibiran Dela Fuente



Political Views (Board members and Representatives)


Representative
Bataan, 1st District
LAKAS-CMD
Term: 1
Age: 67
Date of Birth: 09 July 1940
Civil Status: M
Spouse: Atty. Antonio P. Roman
Other Profession: Businesswoman

Name : Albert Raymond Garcia 
Date of Birth : February 1, 1970
Civil Status : Single
Gender : Male
Residence : Bo. Campo, Tenejero, City of Balanga
Bataan

Boardmembers:


BM Jovy Z. Banzon
BM Manuel N. Beltran
BM Efren J. Cruz
BM Dexter B. Dominguez
BM Gaudencio C. Ferrer
BM Eduard G. Florendo
BM Aristotle J. Gaza
BM Dante R. Manalaysay
BM Jose P. Payumo
BM Gerardo R. Roxas

Our Beloved Governor

 PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full name: Enrique Tuason Garcia, Jr.
Date of Birth: September 13, 1940
Place of Birth: Pasay City
Civil Status: Married
Name of Spouse: Victoria S. Garcia
Name of Children: Anna, Abet, Gila, Joet, Francis
Office Address: 2nd Floor Capitol Bldg., Capitol Drive, Balanga City, Bataan
Telephone Nos.:             (047) -791-4759      , 237-1066, 237-2413, 791-1784, 237-1058, 237-3488,791-7955
Telefax No.: (047) 237-2413

EDUCATION

Elementary: Balanga Elementary School (1947-1953)
Secondary: Bataan High School(1953-1957)
Tertiary: De La Salle College - AB-Economics, AB-Accounting (1957-1963)
EMSI, New Jersey, USA - Linear Programming (1970)


  Experience
 Governor Bataan 2004-Present
 Congressman 2nd District, Bataan 1995-2004
 Governor Bataan 1992-1994
 Congressman 2nd District, Bataan 1987-1992
 Senior Partner Garcia, Lava & Associates 1983-1987
 Executive Assistant Bureau of Internal Revenue 1980-1982
 President VICGAR trading 1974-1979
 Marketing Economist &
 Resident Manager ESSO Philippines, Inc. 1971-1973
 Executive Trainee Humble Oil - Texas, USA 1970
 Executive Trainee ESSO Standard Eastern, New York, USA 1969
 Assistant Marketing
 EconomicManager ESSO Philippines, Inc. 1968
 Senior Financial Analyst ESSO Philippines, Inc. 1967
 Senior Auditor ESSO Philippines, Inc. 1965-1966

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Crusaded single-handedly against the Taiwanese Luzon Petrochemical Company and Shell Philippines that wanted to illegally and arbitrarily transfer the site of the country's petrochemical industry from Bataan to Batangas;

Crusaded against the unconstitutional monopoly/cartel and overpricing of the Big 3 in the oil deregulation case;

Crusading for the establishment of an Oil Exchange or OileEx that would allow oil refineries all over the world to participate in the public bidding for the supply of our country's total oil requirements from the lowest qualified bidder from more than 40 oil refineries all over the world.;

Crusading to protect and preserve Bataan's ownership of BASECO properties legally acquired through auction sale for tax delinquencies against BASECO and PCGG;

Succeeded in legislating the re-nationalization of the Bataan Provincial Hospital into a tertiary hospital, now known as Bataan General Hospital;

Succeeded in converting Bataan National School of Arts and Trade (BNSAT), Bataan Colleges, and the Orani School for Filipino Craftsmen into a nationally funded Bataan Polytechnic State College (BPSC);

 Succeeded in converting the Municipality of Balanga into a component city;

Succeeded in preventing the dumping in Bataan of millions of tons of rotting garbage from Metro Manila;

Crusading for the immediate scrapping of the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is causing the government staggering revenue losses.



Hall of Fame


Gary David (Dinalupihan) - PBA multi-awarded player
Pedro Tuazon (Balanga) - Solicitor General of the Philippines- 1921
Kerby Raymundo (Orion) - PBA multi-awarded player, power forward, member of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants and the Philippines national basketball team.
Romi Garduce (Balanga) - mountain climber who reached Mount Everest.
Mel Tiangco (Pilar) - popular television newscaster and television host; head of GMA Kapuso foundation.
Rafael de Leon (Pilar) - The first Filipino who won the 100 meter dash, in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.
Cayetano Arellano (Orion) - The first Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines.
Pocholo Gonzales (Mariveles) - popular youth advocate, broadcaster, motivational speaker, radio announcer, Events Organizer, Personal Branding Guru, TV producer, Voice Director and Voice Over Artist.
Chad Peralta from Pinoy Dream Academy
Jackie Rice (Dinalupihan) - Filipina actress who won the title of Ultimate Female Survivor on the third season of Startstruck.
Tomas Pinpin (Abucay) - A printer, writer and publisher, was also the first Filipino printer and is sometimes referred as the "Patriarch of Filipino Printing."
Luz Banson (Balanga) - Was the wife of Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay and was the seventh First Lady of the Philippines, she was also remembered as one of the most admired First Ladies and distinguished herself for her warmth and simplicity
Felicito Payumo (Dinalupihan) - Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority from 1998-2004.
Janine Marie Tugonon (Orion) - Binibining Pilipinas 2011 1st Runner-Up and Binibining Pilipinas 2012 Universe
Monique Teruelle Manuel - Miss Philippines Earth 2009 semifinalist
Jessica Sanchez (Orani & Samal) - is an American singer. She was the runner-up on the eleventh season of American Idol.
Evangeline Pascual (Orani) - Actress and First Runner-Up Miss World 19

Bataan Facts


Population : The population of Bataan for the year 2000 was 552,000 based on the growth rate of 2.12% in Central Luzon.

Geography : Bataan is the peninsula in the western part of Luzon that shields the Manila Bay on its south and east from the South China Sea on its west. Zambales and Pampanga form its boundaries on the north.

Language and Dialects : Tagalog is the main language and is widely used, followed by Pampango and Ilocano. English is used mostly as the medium of transaction in business.

Education (High School and Colleges) :
Jose Rizal Institute - Orion and Orani
Holy Rosary Parochial Institute - Orani
AMA Computer Learning Center – Balanga
Asia Pacific College of Advanced Studies
St.Peter Of Verona Academy - Hermosa
Bataan Heroes Memorial College - Balanga
St. John Academy (Dinalupihan)
Bataan Peninsula State University
Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Abucay
EastWoods Professional College of Science and Technology (formerly SOFTNET College of Science and Technology)
Microcity Computer College
Philippine Women's University - CDCEC Bataan
Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Mariveles
St. Joseph College's of Balanga
Tomas del Rosario College - Balanga
Bataan Montessori School, Incorporated - Balanga
The Peninsula School, Incorporated - Limay
Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific - Mariveles
Bataan Christian School - Pilar
Northridge Montessori School - Pilar
Llamas Memorial Institute - Mariveles
Bataan National High School (formerly Arellano Memorial (Bataan) High School) - Balanga

Climate : Bataan climate consists of two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Major Industries : 
Bataan remains basically an agricultural province in spite of the rapid industrialization during the last decade. Mariveles is the site of an export-processing zone that accounts for heavy industry in the province. Cattle and carabao fattening, hog raising, and poultry industry, especially broilers and ducks and egg production, are some of the promising livelihood programs in the province.

Bataan Relics

Famous Festivals



Bataan Islands Philippines - Bataan Travel Information

Feasts and Festivals

Feast Days
Feast days, or “fiestas” in local parlance, are generally festive celebrations that involve fairs, carnivals, a tiangge (flea market), craft exhibits, amateur song and dance contests, musical shows. On the eve of a fiesta in Bataan, the merriment already begins with a serenata (brass band) concert or contest at the town plaza. On the big day itself, a drum and bugle band marches around the main thoroughfares with the kurakol or kuraldal or sambale (street dancing) strutting along its wake.

Feast Day of St. Dominic
(Abucay; last Sunday of October).

Feast Day of St. Catherine of Alexandria
(Bagac; November 23).

Feast Day of St. Joseph
(Balanga; April 28).

Feast Day of St. John the Baptist
(Dinalupihan; June 24).

Feast Day of St. Peter of Varon
(Hermosa; May 3).

Feast Day of St. Francis de Assisi
(Limay; October 4).

Feast Day of St. Nicolas
(Mariveles; third Sunday of February).

Feast Day of Nuestra Señora del Pilar
(Morong; February 2).
spacer
spacer Feast Day of St. Michael
(Orani; May 8).

Feast Day of Nuestra Señora del Pilar
(Pilar; October 12).

Feast Day of St. Catherine of Sienna
(Samat; April 30).

Holy Week
The observance of the Holy Week in Bataan starts with Ash Wednesday when kubuls are set up in every barangay for the pabasa wherein the life of Jesus Christ is read through chanting by devotees. It precedes the week-long activities that take place from Linggo ng Palaspas (Palm Sunday) to Salubong (Easter Sunday), highlighted by church events.

Bataan Day (April 5)
An annual province-wide event during which war veterans and their families travel from all over the country to Mount Samat to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who offered their lives for freedom during the wars.

Paskuhan sa Mabatang
(Mabatang, Abucay; December). Christmas celebration in Matabang extends to the streets of every sitio in the barangay, which are lavishly adorned to rejoice the season.
It's more fun in Bataan

Culture and Arts


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.

Famous Coffee Shop

The Coffee Beanery in Balanga
 

Some restaurant


Bataan Hotels & Lodges
Agannas Cuisine
Daan Bilolo, Orion, Bataan, 2102 Philippines
Cafe Eliza
Aguirre St., Poblacion, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines

Chowking
Aguirre St., Poblacion, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
The Beanery Gourmet Coffee Beans
Capitol Drive, San Jose, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Marie & France Restaurant & Videoke
Cadena De Amor St. Dona Francisca, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Mc & BJ Bar & Grill Resto
Capitol Drive, San Jose, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
SW Grill, Bar & Restaurant
Unit 1 Dela Fuente Bldg, Capitol Drive, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Ernie's Bar & Grill Restaurant
Kabukiran, Abucay, Bataan, 2114 Philippines
Reggae Moon Bar
Roman Superhighway, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Karries Grill & Restaurant
Manahan, Tenejero, Balanga City, 2100 Bataan, Philippines
Forest Greens Resort & Restaurant
T. Camacho Street., Camacho, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
La Ventana Bar, Grill & Resto
Capitol Drive, San Jose, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Max Restaurant
St. Joseph St., Poblacion, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Dayrit Kitchen & Grill
Capitol Drive, San Jose, Balanga City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines
Jam's Burger Plus and Restaurant
BEZ Cafeteria, Bataan Eco Zone, Mariveles, Bataan, 3169 Philippines
Restaurante Alegria Inc.
Roman Superhighway, Central, Balang City, Bataan, 2100 Philippines

Hotel and Lodge


Corregidor Island Resort Hotel - Corregidor Island, Bataan
Acacia Apartelle - Limay, Bataan
Benzi Lodge & Restaurant - Hermosa, Bataan
Bataan Technology Park Inc. - Morong, Bataan
Buenavista Lodge - Balanga City, Bataan
Ligaya Consuelo Hotel - Pilar, Bataan
Le Petit Baguio - Orani, Bataan
Travel Lodge - Orani, Bataan
Crown Royale Hotel - Balanga City, Bataan
Marian Hotel - Pilar, Bataan
D' Samat Lodge - Balanga City, Bataan
Nestville Lodge I, II, III - Limay, Bataan
NPC Hotel and Resort Village - Bagac, Bataan
Elison Hotel - Balanga City, Bataan
Le Jardin Executive Suites - Pilar, Bataan
Hillside Garden Mansions - Balanga City, Bataan

beach resorts



Bataan Islands Philippines - Bataan Travel Information

Beach Resorts Accommodation Accommodation

Beach Resort Type
Montemar Beach Club - Bagac, Bataan
Bagac Bay - Bagac, Bataan
Astea Baech Resort - Morong, Bataan
Morning Breeze Beach Resort - Bagac, Bataan
Morong Star Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Oro Grande Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Sun Moon Beach Resort - Bagac, Bataan
Summer Sea Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
West Nuk Beach - Morong, Bataan
Sipwak Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Sunshine Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Waterfront Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Villa Milagrosa Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Paul's Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
White Corals Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
La Playa Beach Resort - Morong , Bataan
Morong Bay Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Joe's Hideaway Resort - Morong, Bataan
Gold Coast Resort - Morong, Bataan
J & E Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Floen Beach Resort - Bagac, Bataan
Coral Beach Resort = Morong, Bataan
Jemacar Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
East & West Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Fajardo's Beach Resort - Bagac, Bataan
Dorothy Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Fine Sand Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Ella Marie's Resort - Morong, Bataan
Delia's Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
Dar Star Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
ERC Beach Resort - Morong, Bataan
camaya coast - little boracay of bataan
 Anvaya Cove - located at Morong

Inland Resorts


Inland Resort Type
La Vista Resort - Balanga City, Bataan
Dinalupihan Nature Center - Dinalupihan, Bataan
Deltra Farm - Orion, Bataan
Champagne Hall - Orani, Bataan
Au-Au Resort - Orion, Bataan
Godwin's Mini Resort - Limay, Bataan
Silver Park - Dinalupihan, Bataan
Seaview Holiday Home - Limay, Bataan
Jem Bethsaida Resort - Balanga City, Bataan
La Kristina Paradise Resort - Hermosa, Bataan
Bataan Green Hills Resort - Abucay, Bataan
Family and Friends - Pilar, Bataan
Farmlandia Resort - Hermosa, Bataan
Vicarville Resort - Balanga City, Bataan
Man's Inland Resort - Limay, Bataan
Luzon Baptist Camp - Mariveles, Bataan
RMW Resort - Mariveles, Bataan
Beulah Farm Resort - Pilar, Bataan
Raven Resort - Abucay, Bataan
Beni-Press Seaside Resort - Orion, Bataan
Sibul Spring - Abucay, Bataan
Villa Imperial Resort - Mariveles, Bataan
R/L Abucay Country Resort - Abucay, Bataan
Paran Mountain Hill Resort - Samal, Bataan
Joyous Resort & Restaurant - Balanga City, Bataan
Japz Resort - Dinalupihan, Bataan
Mc Jamming Square Mini Resort & Lodging - Mariveles, Bataan
Tony Rose Farm - Limay, Bataan
Annjoline's Resort - Orani, Bataan
La Biña Resort - Orani, Bataan
Peninsula de Bataan - Orani, Bataan
Summer Hill Resort - Dinalupihan, Bataan
Villa Amanda Resort - Abucay, Bataan
Bay Spring Resort - Mariveles, Bataan

Sisiman Bay, Lighthouse (mariveles)

Sunset and Dawn

Five Finger (Mariveles)

A view of "five fingers", the finger-shaped west side of Mariveles.

Bataan Export Processing Zone (Mariveles, Bataan)

The country’s largest export processing zone, where hundreds of foreign and local companies produce items for export.

Bataan Economic Zone (Mariveles, Bataan)

The Bataan Economic Zone is a major industrial initiative that takes advantage of the area's easy accessibility to ocean-going vessels. Other major economic complexes are the Petrochemical Industrial Park, Bataan Technology Park, Hermosa Economic Zone and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
 

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (Bagac, Bataan)

This is the only nuclear power plant in the country. Operation of the plant

Balanga Catholic Church Belfry


Once used as the site for the Japanese artillery bombardment of Mt. Samat where Filipino and American forces took their last stand in Bataan.

Sto. Domingo Abucay Church

414-year-old church constructed in 1587 in the rich Spanish style of the day, and a living witness to the massacre of more than 200 native defenders from the hands of Dutch invaders on June 16, 1647.

Dambana ng Kagitingan (Pilar)

Dambana ng Kagitingan, atop Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan , was built to commemorate the gallantry of approximately 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers led by Major General Edward "Ned" P. King, Jr. The most distinct feature of the shrine is the Memorial Cross, a 92-meter marble, steel and concrete structure built 555 meters above sea level. At the base is a sculptural bas relief that depicts important historical events and battles in the Philippines, which was built under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Surrender Site Marker (Balanga City)


Found in the compound of Balanga Elementary School, it is the site of the formal surrender of Bataan.

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower (Bagac)

Symbol of a post-WW II period of reconciliation, peace, and friendship between the once warring nations.



Pilar Flaming Sword (Panilao, Pilar)


A symbol of Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of adversary and external threats to the nation’s democracy and peace.

First Line of Defense Marker (Dinalupihan)


Site of the first strong defense line of the combined forces of the 71st division of the American forces, 31st and 26th Infantry Regiment, in January 1942.

Dinalupihan Natural Parks


An unspoiled forest area ideal for picnics and camping activities with facilities for irrigation and game hunting. The surrounding area is great for day hikes and trekking.

Mt. Silangan (Morong)

Boasts of an 80-feet high waterfall that cascades to a pool of refreshing cool water.

Balon Anito (Mariveles)

Called the “dead volcano,” it is frequented by elderly people who go to soak their feet in the water of the therapeutic hot spring at the mouth of the volcano.

Mt. Natib (Orani)

A dormant volcano rising to 1253 meters that provides a commanding view of the surrounding towns. It offers mountain climbers and nature lovers not only the pleasant cool mountain air but also a lush growth including exotic plant species and rare wildlife.
 

The land called Bataan


  The province known as Vatan during the Madjapahit Empire, was already a progressive settlement long before 1571. The Spaniards who first set foot on the land reportedly came upon a population of about 2,000.

            The province of Bataan lies on the western coast of the island of Luzon, with an area of over 137,297 square hectares or a total of 1,243 square kilometers. It is bounded on the north by the province of Zambales; on the northeast, by the province of Pampanga; on the east, by Manila Bay; on the west, where its coastline forms a semicircle, by the China Sea; and on the South, by the canal between the verdant mountains of Mariveles and the historical fort-island of Corregidor called Boca-Chica.

            In its northern part are the towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa; in its eastern part, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga, Pilar, Orion and Cabcaben; in its southern tip, facing Corregidor, the town of Mariveles; and in its south-western part, Bagac and Morong.

             Bataan is blessed with more mountains than plains with a mountain found in each town of the province. It is ringed by a mountain chain called the Zambales mountains because they are located in that province, beginning from the highlands above Subic. A series of uplands stretches from Bataan’s southern tip, the highest of which is a peak called Mariveles. Mariveles is about 5,118 feet high or 13,390 meters above sea level, broken only between Balanga and bagac by a more or less extensive flat valley. A second range of uplands and plateaus rises above Orani forming the Butilao peak, with an altitude of approximately 4,751 feet. Other mountains are the Morro de Orion, Samal, Balanga, Dinalupihan and Mt. Samat in Pilar.

             There is a notable difference between the eastern section of the province, which faces the bay, and the western section towards the China Sea. The first is, to a great extent, flat with gentle slopes of rising lands which present a beautiful view; while the second is very irregular.

             Having some 20 leagues of coastline, Bataan keeps within its bosom, in the town of Orion, two-cabalitas of quagmire called lupang puti (white soil) by the natives; and a smaller one in Ogon, Balanga.

             In Mariveles, Saysain, Bagac and Morong, there are small bays good for fishing. In Mt. Malasimbo, north of Dinalupihan, there are wells of water with gallionella ferrugia.

             There are two deep and long rivers in this province, namely, Talisay and the Almacenes. Talisay, originating from the Samal and Orani mountains and branching out into Pilar and Balanga, forms the dividing line between these two latter towns. The Almacenes, welling from the mountains of Hermosa and coursing through the plains stretching to Subic, a part of Zambales, runs through the town of Dinalupihan and ends in the town of Lubao in the province of Pampanga.

             This river also branches out to form the Cola and Lumaen rivers in Hermosa, and the sweet-watered Orani River which has a depth of about two to three arm-lengths and which passes through Lalawigan to the sea. It is named Almacenes because it is found in the place where, in olden times, timber and palms were brought together after being gathered from surrounding areas, and made to form launches which carried different commodities to the capital.

             Other rivers are the Ogong in Balanga; Palivas, Balayang and Salinas in Abucay; and the river Calaguiman which passes through the town proper of Samal and the barrio of Mabatang where there was a big canal.

             The average temperature in the province at midday through the months of November until February is 27° and 30° from March through June. The rest of the year has the same temperature due to the continued rains during these months. The atmospheric pressure, according to the reduced barometer, is usually 76,100 and in times of storms, reads as low as 71,500. Relative humidity during the rainy season is 80.0 to 90.0 and during the dry season, 60 to 70. Thunderstorms are frequent. And it is observed that atmospheric changes correspond to the two periodical monsoons of the year which are often not in any manner intense. Though sometimes the southwest monsoon caused cholera and the northwest monsoon coupled with intermittent heat could lead to pneumonia.

             As a whole, however, the climate is temperature and the air is widely reputed to be pure and healthy.

             The soil of the province presents different aspects and characteristics. In Mariveles and Abucay, it is sandy, clayish and plain, while in Hermosa it is plain. The soil of Orion is plain and sandy, and in Morong it is clayish; in Mabatang it is rocky, sandy, hilly and clayish; in Dinalupihan, plain and hilly; and in Bagac, clayish and plain.

             The two highest mountains – Mariveles and Butilao – are not volcanic. They have neither lave nor slag, which proves that when the water appeared on top of the soil, it penetrated to where matter was boiling in a confused mixture, and the peaks of these two mountains rose to their present form.

             This theory, according to Señor Azaola and as recorded by Father Vicente Fernandez, who kept extensive writings on Bataan, is proven by an examination of these same mountains. In their upper levels are found successive arches or basins (catanques) of water from the highest summit to the plains. This is a clear sign that when the mountains rose because of the liquefaction of igneous substances, depressions in the mountain tops were created when they cooled off, and, filled with water from the atmosphere, they broke the dikes which held them, because of their own weight and their descent to the plains, they formed others which, in their turn, were dug up, either by earthquakes or by the pressure of the water which had accumulated there.

             That the soil is pyrogenic and of igneous eruption is proven by the fact that no signs or traces of any mineral have ever been found and only sulphates of iron, pirita marcial which they call guslagusla, are seen in certain rocks. The deposits of iron, titanite or sand, which are found in certain streams in Limay where there is a layer two felt deep, corroborate this hypothesis. For it is known that this mineral is most plentiful in all volcanic countries and is an element in the formation of the rocks in lands of igneous origin.

             Notwithtstanding this, however, there are, in the break between Bagac and Morong, spheres or balls of greenish and black basalt, covered with a crust of marly siliceous layers which the people used as grinders, as well as basalt tabulanes doubtless underlying the rocks, which is not unusual in these formations.

             This theory establishes the sufficient fertility of the soil of this province for agriculture. Actually, the lowlands from the north to the south are good for farming. Agustin Cavada records that by the year 1876, the land already cultivated over the whole province was about 3,768 hectares which was clayish-siliceous (siliceo-arcilloso) and with a muddy siliceous sub-soil.

             Apart from the fertility of the soil, irrigation was never much of a problem. Because the mountain chains, which span an area of 125,000 hectares and where the soil is clayish-siliceous with a calcarious clayish-siliceous sub-soil, are provided with slopes on the east and west due to which the rivers follow a short course falling almost perpendicularly from the mountains into Manila Bay on the east and into China Sea on the west. With little effort, these streams and rivulets that empty into the sea from the mountains, were exploited for irrigation and the production of sugar by means of hydraulic machines.

             Floods, a constant threat to agriculture-based provinces, were not frequent here due to the permeability of the soil and the regularity with which the forests conserve and distribute the rainfall.

             Aside from its suitability to agriculture, Bataan is also rich in other natural resources. Abundant in lumber, it grows several varieties of trees which are useful for both civil and naval constructions. It also abounds in deer, wild boar, wild cats, alligators and sawa which is a delicacy of the Negritoes. Birds like doves, bato-bato, kingfishers, balores, calaos, white and green parrots and the balinsasayaw nest in its forests.

             Between Orani and Hermosa, there is a place called la mina where bolinas pequeñas were found. These were said to be actually hierro hydratado de hierro pisiforme which were used by the natives for painting carriages and which can be properly studied and tapped for purposes of progress and development.

             In Orani itself, there was a lagoon descending to a plain of clay used for making earthen jars (pilones) for the manufacture of sugar. In Samal, there is a deposit of dead shells (capiz) which is hitherto scientifically unexplained.

             At the mouth of Morong River in Mariveles, there are hot spring called Balong-Anito with alcalinic water. It is also from here that the famous marmoles blancos de Mariveles come. Out of these, the statue of King Charles IV in one of the main thoroughfares of Manila and the pavement of the old Santo Domingo Church were made.

             In a barrio of this town called San Miguel, there was a quarry. From the rocks taken there were constructed the Manila railway, the monument of Magellan in the isthmus of Santo Domingo and the baptismal fount of Balanga. In a cave at Pantogan, Orion, there are stones as brilliant as gold, which are classified as antimonio. Also, here can be found jade, which is very precious for the Chinese. Father Morales records that history refers to a Portuguese adventurer who found diamonds in the bosoms of its mountains in about the year 1620.





Source: Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio

Mt. Malasimbo (Dinalupihan)



Perfect cone shaped
and swaying rice stalks
seen from the south.

Perfect for trekking.

The House: A Cultural Perspective

Old structures and houses relate a story. Their make and design could tell much about the way of life of the people who lived in them and paint the Filipinos’ cultural transformation. They could also show their original owners’ social status — their wealth, influence and power. The ancestral house of Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna, for example, tells much about the national hero; that members of his family were wealthy farmers and traders.

In almost every town in the country, there is an old house which was once the town’s center of social and political activity. In those houses lived trendsetters, leaders and revolutionary thinkers. In past struggles, they blazed the trail with their heroic deeds.

Shortly thereafter, their houses were honored, saluted and revered, for heroes were born and lived in them. Through time however, the heirs and relatives of the former owners abandon the houses. Town leaders and the community ignore them. Private ownership and the menu for caring heritage houses do not seem to fuse beautifully.

Although well maintained, the Rizal house in Laguna in recent past became controversial when it was painted neon green all-over by the National Historical Institute (NHI) because the NHI said that the color green has something to do with the family surname of the national hero. In the same tone, up far north, the ancestral home of Don Isabelo Abaya, hero of Ilocos from Candon, Ilocos Sur who befriended the Bagani Tribe and trained them as warriors in the Filipino struggle for freedom, had been in a state of neglect and disrepair. Whether these houses are painted inappropriately or neglected and left at the mercy of termites and harmful elements, it shows that we do not cherish the value and importance of these ancestral homes.

Worse still, these houses are dissected. Buy-and-sell businessmen are only for profit and do not value the house’s stories and histories; they only salvage the valuable parts of these for cash. These parts are sometimes sold as second-hand lumber and second-hand house parts. People who recognize the durability and beauty of old construction materials scout house parts in these places, that is why it is no wonder that a house with so much history and heritage could have window jambs in the Visayan Region and its door panels in North Luzon.

The sad possibility that many old houses might end up like this gave Mr. Acuzar the brilliant idea of transporting old houses to his sprawling seaside land. He does not buy house parts but buys them whole and re-erects them in his compound in order to preserve them.

Among the old houses re-erected in the Acuzar Compound so far include the Candaba House which was built in 1839. It is said that the Governor General of the Philippines at that time used this house as one of his residences, and that Dr. Jose Rizal frequently visited it.


Bataan at a Glance


Bataan rings a chord in the heart of every Filipino. It is a symbol of democracy and freedom – a memorial to the gallant Filipino-American defenders of Bataan who fought decisive battles that delayed the timetable of the well-equipped and better trained Japanese Imperial forces, and changed the course of history in the Pacific.       Obscure and relatively unknown before World War II, Bataan was founded in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. The region was divided into two parts – The Corregimiento of Mariveles and the province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong, and Maragondong, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles which 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 group was under the charge of the Dominican Order.


The Dominicans founded Abucay on June 10, 1588, Samal on April 30, 1641, Orion April 30, 1667, Orani and Balanga on April 21, 1714, Llana Hermosa May 8, 1756 and Pilar March 10, 1901. The three towns on the western side-Mariveles, Bagac and Morong  were founded by the Franciscans in about 1578.

    Bataan has more than its share of significant historical events: in 1574, the dreaded Chinese Limahong used Lusong point at the western side of Bataan as a landing place; in 1647, the Dutch Naval Forces perpetrated the Abucay Massacre; and the Bataan Death March to Capas, Tarlac started in the municipalities of Mariveles and Bagac. Today, touching commemorative shrines are dedicated to the memory of those who resisted the Japanese occupation – a bayonet thrust into the ground with a helmet  symbolically slung over the riffle butt to mark the start of the Death March; and the imposing “Dambana ng Kagitingan” on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan.

    Bataan is a province faced with a challenge. It is on the verge of becoming both an extensive industrialization hub and a tourist haven which may well be the equivalent of the dynamic force it exuded in its historic past.

Brief History

Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia out of territories belonging to Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles, which at the time included Maragondon in Cavite across the bay.

The province had had more than its share of significant historical events. In 1647, Dutch Naval Forces attempting to invade the country perpetrated the Abucay massacre in one of its towns. In the late 1700s, the dreaded Chinese private Limahong used Lusong Point on the western sides as the landing place to launch his conquest of Luzon. In the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Bataan joined the other provinces in Luzon, which revolted against Spanish rule.

It was during World War II, however, that Bataan attained notoriety that would find it a place in the annals of world history. Under heavy aircraft and artillery shelling from the invading Japanese forces, the beleaguered Filipino-American troops valiantly defended this last bastion until the historic “Fall of Bataan” on April 9, 1942.

Our Angelic Hymn


Bayani at Banal
Tayog ng kagitingan
Itong aming lalawigan
Pinabanal at dinakila
Bayang magiliw pinagpala
Tapos na ang digmaan
Narito na ang kapayapaan
Tuloy pa rin ang paglaban sa tukso at kasalanan
Bataan Bataan
Peninsulang minamahal tinawag maging banal
Ng Panginoong sa'yoy humirang
Bataan Bataan
Peninsulang minamahal tinawag maging banal
Ng Panginoong sa'yoy humirang
Ban-kabanalan at kaparian
Kabanalan ng sambayanan
Kabanalan at kabayanihan
Hamon sa'yo
Bataan Bataan
Bataan Bataan
Peninsulang minamahal tinawag maging banal
Ng Panginoong sa'yoy humirang
Bataan Bataan
Peninsulang minamahal tinawag maging banal
Ng Panginoong sa'yoy Humirang

Bagac


  • Fast Facts
Bagac is located on the western side of Bataan which  is 151 kilometeres from Manila and 27.82 kilometers away from Balanga, the provincial capital.
The town has a land area of 23,120 hectares representing 16.84% of the total Bataan area and covers 14 barangays.
Bagac is accessible through both land and water transportation. Ferry boats   going to and from Manila are available at the Orion port.
The town has a population of 20,894 as of 1995 with skilled workers in the fields of masonry, carpentry, and welding.
  • Legend
Upon the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines some of them traveled along the seacoasts looking for a better place to live in. Traveling without any fixed direction, they happen to pass by this place that is partly hidden between two sharp points extending to the sea. The Spaniards. Asked the Aeta, who was traveling with them as their guide, for the name of that place. The Aeta answered that that is called "lumbak" meaning lying between tow hills. As their ship was crossing this place they sighted a flock of herons flying above them. When the Spaniards inquired about them to their guide, the Aeta replied, "Iyon po ay mga ibong tagak." Came "bak and "gak", and soon it became Bagac.
  • Background
Bagac is the biggest town in terms of land area in Bataan. Established in 1873, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines may be found here in Bagac with St. Catherine of Alexandria as the patron saint.



Limay



  • Fast Facts
Limay is located in the southeastern part of Bataan, approximately 15 kilometers from the provincial capital.
It can be reached via Orion Port which is only a 45-minute ferry ride from Manila, plus a 5 to 10 minute ride from Orion to Limay.
The total land area is 10,362 hectares. Based on the existing land use, about 65.75% of the total area is forestland, 25.94% is agriculture, 5.95% is industrial use, 2.21% build-up area and 0.15% for aquaculture.
Major agricultural produce is rice followed by vegetables, mangoes, bananas and root crops.
Limay lies along the Manila Bay and has ample fish production to meet local demand in the area. Fish and aquatic products in the area include theraponid (babansi), acetes (alamang), mackerel (hasa-hasa), and grouper (lapu-lapu).
Based on the 1995 National Statistics Office Survey, the total Population is 40,123 wherein 54.32% are residing in the urban areas.
  • Legend
During the Spanish regime, several Spanish soldiers were taking a walk along the shore of his town. They came across five (5) persons who were also at the shore and whose craft was destroyed by a strong storm that passed by. One of the Spaniards asked them for the name of this town in his native tongue. Not understanding Spanish, the natives thought that the Spaniards were asking how many are they, so they answered in their dialect, "lima ay", meaning that they were five in all. The inhabitants of this place are used to saying "ay" as part of their accent. The Spaniards thought that was the answer to their question and went on with the knowledge that this was "Limay". From then on, this town was called Limay.
  • Background
One of the towns included in the creation of Bataan as a province was Orion which Limay was then only a barrio of Limay was then a stagnant and undeveloped place, wholly dependent upon the municipal officials of Orion for development and recognition.
On January 1, 1917 by virtue of Executive Order No. 983 by the Governor General Francis Burton Harrison, Limay was proclaimed as an independent municipality. Freed from the bondage of being a mere barrio to full blast progress. Limay aggressively and energetically moved to gain status. Guided by the desire to prove itself and be  recognized, its leaders never relented and worked towards making Limay a successful town. Limay was the last municipality created in the province but the first to give a grant share of its income from Realty Tax.

    Samal


    • FAST FACTS
    Samal is located at the eastern side of Bataan, It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Orani, the south by Abucay, on the west by Mt. Natib and Manila Bay on the east. It is 114 kilometers away from Manila.
    It is composed largely of uplands and hills covering approximately eighty percent (80%) of its whole area. The lowlands and plains, which comprise approximately twenty percent (20%) of the land area, are generally flat, gently rising towards the hills.
    The total population is 24,560 as of 1995 with 4,858 households.
    Samal abounds with agricultural produce such as palay, corn, vegetable, fruits rootcrops, coffee and cutflowers. Livestock, poultry and aquatic resources such as shellfish, crabs, prawns, shrimps and different species of fish are also available in the area.
    • Legend
    A group of Spaniards were on their way to this town by boat when their attention was attracted by something floating on the water. With unusual curiosity, they looked at the floating object. Each one of the Spaniards asked the natives who were with them what the name of the floating object was. The native answered "samel", which meant that it was a covering that is attached to the banca to protect the passengers from the hot sun or from rain. This covering was made of nipa leaves and woven together. The Spaniards repeated, "samel, samel" after the natives. Ever since that time, the town has always been called Samal.
    • Background
    Founded as a municipality on April 20, 1941, under the patron Saint Catherine of Sienna. The town's colorful share of historical upheavals is best remembered by its gallant heroes that chose to die honorably and courageously for the sake of freedom.
    The town has pioneered in different kinds of businesses. The first ice plant was constructed in this town under the management of Joaquin Ma. Joson, a prominent businessman in Bataan. Wooden shoe ("bakya") making in this province was first started in Samal. Industrialization came with the establishment of the first pulp mills in the country - the Bataan Pulp and Paper Mills, Inc. situated in the scenic slope of Mt. Natib.
    Samal is the only town in Bataan which has manufactured arrow root flour through native processes. This flour is made into biscuits/cookies called "araro" which are native delicacies perfect to "pasalubong"
    This town is also endowed with rich marine aquatic resources and highly productive farmlands.
    Source: http://www.bataan.gov.ph

    Orion


    • Fast  Facts
    It is 132 kilometers from Manila and approximately 31.2 nautical miles across Manila Bay. It is about 8 kilometers from Balanga, the provincial capital, and bounded on the north by Pilar and Limay on the south.
    Has a total land area of 6,540 hectares and covers 23 barangays.
    As of September 1995, Orion recorded a total population of 39,537. About 65% of these belong the labor force, of which 7,100 are skilled workers and 4,700 are semi-skilled.
    • Legend
    People of this town had known many stories of how Orion got its name. Some folks say that Udyong was the first name adapted by this town. It came from the words "lu-ad" and "uryong" which meant muddy, because of the fact4 that the place was muddy and swampy during those times.
    Another popular story was that during the Spanish regime, some Spanish soldiers happened to pass by this town. They did not know the name of the place so they asked the people they saw in the ricefields. One of the soldiers pointed his finger to the ground and asked "Que es el llama pueblo". Not understanding Spanish the people thought that the soldier was referring to something he saw on the ground that happens to be a worm. The hurriedly answered "uod yon", referring to the worm. When the soldiers heard the word, they thought that the citizens were referring to the name of the town, and left the place numbling to themselves. "Uod, uod yon". Thus, the town was known as Udyong and was later changed to Orion.
    • Background
    The date of official recognition of the municipality of Orion could not be ascertained, however, records showed that this municipality was founded by a Dominican on April 30, 1667. On September 16 , 1852, a strong earthquake shook the whole archipelago and caused the destruction of the parochial church and was later rebuilt by Fr. Ulpiano Herrera, the parish priest of the place at that time. In 1892, forty years later, a big fire practically burned the whole town, that only three houses remained safe. It was Fr. Jose Campomanes who tried to reconstruct the town from the ashes and ruins of the fire and transformed it into a beautiful and prosper one. This was the beginning of the progress.
    Source: http://www.bataan.gov.ph

    Balanga


    • Fast Facts
    Balanga is located 124 kms. Away from Manila and can be reached via 2 major roads -  the National Road and roman Superhighway. It can also be reached through the Orion Port via ferry service followed by a 15-minute drive from Orion to Balanga.
    Balanga is the capital of Bataan and covers an area of 16,560 hectares and the third largest municipality in the province with 23 barangays. 
    The town has a total population of 60,760 as of 1995. the municipality has an employment rate of 86.21%
    Balanga’s resources are mostly agricultural in nature like palay production, sugarcane, corn, coconut, fruits and vegetables, and fish products like milkfish, tilapia, shrimps, prawns, crabs, oysters, and other shelled seafood.
    • Legend
    It is said that the name “Balanga” was derived from a king of pot used for cooking or fetching water. This cooking pot is made of special clay and it is locally known as “banga” or “balanga”. During the Spanish occupation people of this community often use this pot for fetching water and the Spaniards would ask what they call it, and they would answer, “Banga”. The Spaniards would repeat the word until they adopt the name of the community. From  then on this place was called Balanga.
    • Background
    Balanga, the capital town of Bataan, was formerly a visita of Abucay before it was established as a mission of the Dominican Order in the Provincial Chapter on April 21, 1714 and later declared a vicariate on April 18, 1739, under the patronage of Saint Joseph.
    Balanga is bounded on the north by Abucay; on the east by Manila Bay; on the west by the mountains of Bagac and Morong; and on the south by Pilar, that is separated from it only by the river Talisay, which starts in the mountains of Mariveles and travels from the southwest to the northeast direction. The town is situated on a low plain and during the rainy season, it is sometimes sub-merged in knee deep water.
    Despite the ravages of fire, balanga has many large structures. One of the oldest provincial government buildings in the archipelago is found in this town. It was erected in 1729.
    Source: http://www.bataan.gov.ph

    Orani


    • FAST FACTS
    The municipality of Orani is located 115 kilometers northwest of Manila and is bounded on the north by Hermosa, on the south by Samal, on the west by Dinalupihan and on the east by Manila Bay.
    It has a total land area of 5,926.00 hectares covering 29 barangays. About 1,231 hectares are used for agriculture, 1,943.86 hectares are forestland, 971.93 hectares are forest reservation and 1,295.91 hectares are reserved for the National Park. The rest are classified as wetland.
    Palay, coffee, vegetables, peanut, citrus trees and fruit trees are the major produce. Cutflowers like aster, chrysanthemum and gerbera are locally cultivated while bamboo and jungle vines can be gathered from Orani's rich forestlands. Aquamarine resources like milkfish, tilapia, prawn, crabs, mussels and oysters are caught in Orani's rich fishing grounds and fishponds.
     It has a total population of 48,568 (1995 National Census), where 62% of the working age group (16-60) are employed.
    • Legend
    One day, a Spaniard, while walking and surveying a thick forest, passed by a native who was cutting a big tree. The Spaniard asked the native about the name of the tree and the reply was "narra". The Spaniard mistook the reply as "no ira" which meant "unselfish". The Spaniard  then rearranged the letters from these words till it finally came out as "Orani", which thenceforth became the official name of the town. 
    • Background
    The town and te church of Orani became an independent missionary center in 1714. the Dominican friars built the church and became their quarters in Bataan since then. The place grew into a little prosperous town until it was nearly brought down the ground during the earthquake of September 16, 1852. Important studies shows that the church and the municipal government building were also destroyed. They were rebuilt till 1891 when Orani again resumed its slow march for growth. This growth was checked again by the great fire of March 16, 1938, which almost burned three-fourths of the whole town, including schools, the church and the town hall. Reconstruction began, but before they could finish, World War II broke out and once again the town suffered tremendous destruction. After the war, the people of Orani are once again building their town.
    Source: http://www.bataan.gov.ph

    Pilar


    Fast Facts
    Pilar is found in the southeast portion of the province of Bataan. It is bounded by Orion in the South, Balanga in the North, Bagac in the west and Manila Bay in the East.  It has a total land area of 3,760.00 hectares. Its terrain is gently sloping to undulating, reaching a hilly peak. The highest elevation is 553 meters at Mt. Samat in Barangay Diwa. The town has a population of 43,213 residing in nineteen (19) barangays. Pilar produces an ample supply of rice, corn, vegetables, rootcrops and legumes. Chicken, hogs and ducks as well as freshwater fishes are abundant in the area. Bamboo, cogon and different vines can be sourced from hilly portions of Pilar while gravel and sand is abundant in Barangay Nagwaling, Alauli, Pantingan, Diwa and Liyang.
    Pilar Bataan Map

    Legend
    Long ago this town was merely a barrio within the jurisdiction of the town of Balanga. There were very few inhabitants. One day a Spanish galleon was tossed to its shores by a violent storm. The galleon's destination was some town where it was to convey the image of a virgin. The Spaniards were greeted by the inhabitants were they landed. The visitors asked for the name of the place and they replied that it has no name. The Spaniards suggested that the place be named in honor of the image they had with them which was that of the "Lady of the Pillar". The people consented and since that time, the town had been called "Pilar".

    Background
    Pilar has a history all of its own tainted with legends, traditions, glory and death. On March 10, 1801, it was separated from Balanga by the Dominican priests under the spiritual ministration of Virgen Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Since then, Pilar has produced great men. Foremost among them was Don Pablo Roman considered as the father of Bataan.

    Source: http://www.mybataan.com