The Proposed Redevelopment of the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor: Balancing Heritage, Progress and Sustainability

In time for the 75th Year of the End of the Second World War and the Fall of Bataan, the redevelopment of the Mount Samat Shrine of Valor as a Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) will be a timely event to commemorate the heroism of those who fought and died for Philippine independence during World War II. The Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor is a National Shrine located in Pilar, Bataan that is dedicated to the heroism and sacrifice of Filipinos who fought and died for freedom against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. It is a 15-hectare heritage attraction on the summit of Mt. Samat, located within a 1,000-hectare forest reserve. Completed in 1970, the shrine consists of a colonnade, connected to a memorial cross by a zigzag footpath on its mountain slope. It will be complemented by a 144-hectare locator site, which be composed of mixed-used activities and open spaces, which will complement the shrine site. Upon implementation, the redevelopment of the Mount Samat Shrine of Valor is expected to become the country’s premiere heritage tourism attraction. It would integrate the core principles of valor, patriotism, and heroism with the modern conveniences of a tourism-oriented, multifunctional destination. Overall, the Mt. Samat can become the model of a solemn memorial site and the lively ambiance of a visitor recreation attraction. Tourists can expect an exciting and completely integrated destination that will become one of the biggest draws in Bataan and one of the country’s significant heritage tourism landmarks.

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ISBN
978-1-944214-31-9