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.

Here are some of the great markers of Bataan that denote its share of significant historical events that once marked the anal of Philippine history.

Dambana ng Kagitingan – Also called as “Shrine of Valor,” is a Philippine National Shrine located at the summit of Mount Samat in Pilar town, Bataan province. This shrine was established in memory and recognition of the brave Filipino and American soldiers who died during World War II. The memorial shrine complex was also made to give honor and tribute to the heroic struggles and sacrifices of revolutionists who fought and died in that historic stronghold of freedom. The soldiers died fighting and protecting the country against Japanese invasion. They sacrificed their lives so that the next generations would have a country to call their own.

First Line of Defense Marker – It marks the first strong line of defense of combined Philippines USAFFE Troops against Japanese invasion during WW II. Symbolic of the tragedy that befell Bataan and the gallantry of Filipino and American heroes who restored our country and people to a government of free peoples is a monument in the center of rotunda in Layac, Dinalupihan, Bataan. This monument was erected by the 38th Infantry division, Army of the United States, in memory of the defenders of Bataan, living and dead, including the 38th Tank Company of Harrodburg, Kentucky, a unit of said division, in December 1941 to February 1942.

It also marks the liberation of the place on January 19, 1945 to August 16, 1945 wholly by the following units: 149th Infantry, 151st Infantry, 113th Engineer Combat Battalion, 139th Artillery Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Battalion and the 38th Division Special Troop.

Democracy Marker – “The little Mountainous Peninsula of Bataan saved Democracy and the whole world from the evil hands of the devil.” Quote from the radio broadcast of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, January 5, 1945. This historical landmark is located in the municipality of Hermosa.

Commemorative Marker and Death March Marker – The Commemorative Marker and the 62 km. Death March Marker is located in front of the Hermosa Catholic Church. It is a war memorial structure made of marble, constructed to commemorate our war heroes. The Death March Marker was put up immortalizing the daring efforts of the people of Hermosa in providing food and shelter to Filipino and American Soldier during the strenuous march to Capaz, Tarlac.

Tomas Del Rosario Marker – This marker was built in honor to the province's son Don Tomas - “The Nightingale of Filipino Eloquence." Del Rosario became a member of the Malolos Congress with the President Emilio Aguinaldo. Because of this, He was acknowledge as the champion of religious equality and freedom and the advocate of the separation of church and state in the country. He later bacame Asst. Atty. Gen. of the SC under the American role and a provincial governor of Bataan.

Cayetano Arellano Marker – A monument was built at the Town Plaza of Orion to honor Cayetano Arellano – the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court who was born in this town.

Fall of Bataan Marker – The permanent ties of friendship and cooperation between Philippines and the United States are sealed in blood. This marker is dedicated on 9 April 1952 to the memory of the gallant Filipino and Americans soldiers as well as civilians, who fought and died side by side in the defense of democracy. The marker is in the Capitol Compound, Balanga City.

Surrender Site – This marker in Balanga Elementary School Talisay, Balanga City, is in memory of the command post of the Lt. Gen. Homma at the times of Bataan's surrender party kept as hostages in the school house until after the USAFFE troops would be rounded up and delivered as POW's to the nearest Japanese units. Major General Edward P. King signed the tragic instrument of surrender under a mango tree at the back of the Balanga Elementary School on April 9, 1942.

Flaming Sword in Panilao, Pilar – A symbol of the Filipino courage and gallantry in the face of external trails to the nation's democracy and peace.

Final Battle Site in Diwa, Pilar – To remember the coutage and heroism of Bataan defenders amidst hunger, sickness and death.

Francisco Balagtas Monument – Located in Orani, Bataan, the mural was erected as a tribute to Francisco Balagtas who is hailed as the "Prince of Tagalog Poetry".

Philippine-Japanese Friendship Tower in Bagac, Bataan - The Philippine–Japanese Friendship Tower is very significant to Philippine history because it reminds us of the friendship we have of Japan and symbolizes that the war between the two countries has indeed ended.

Tomas Pinpin Monument - Tomas Pinpin Monument was erected in loving memory of the first Filipino printer, Tomas Pinpin. He was a co-author and had printed the earliest books in the country with Fr. Blancas de San Jose in 1610, inside Abucay Church, Bataan.

Maria Canon Statue - Tower erected by the Mie-ken Daiichi Shueesec of the Japanese Sohtohshuh Spots in 1978 to invoke the repose of dead souls from the WWII period.

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Be nurtured with the rich past of Bataan as you walk back in the memory of patriotism and unbeatable sacrifices of many Filipinos to achieve what they called freedom.

Venture to Bataan

Bataan is accessible by riding a bus from Manila, like Genesis, Bataan Transit, Sinulog, and Victory Liner. The fare usually ranges from 150-200 pesos depending on your destination. From NLEX (North Luzon Express Way), you will pass through the San Fernando Exit, Sta. Cruz-Lubao, then Layak Junction, and Abucay Junction. From there, you just have to ride a jeep or tricycle going to the church. Tricycles and jeepneys are the main transport in getting around Bataan.