As part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon leg, Department of Tourism (DOT) Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan, also known as the “Dambana ng Kagitingan” or Shrine of Valor.
The ceremony paid tribute to the nation’s enduring legacy of courage and sacrifice, honoring the heroism of Filipino and Allied soldiers during the 1942 Battle of Bataan.
“Delegates immerse themselves in the rich history of Central Luzon, and participate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honor the bravery, valor, and sacrifices of Filipino and Allied soldiers during WWII.”
“The caravan kicks off at Mount Samat, Bataan, home to the iconic Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), an emblem of Filipino bravery. Delegates immerse themselves in the rich history of Central Luzon, and participate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to honor the bravery, valor, and sacrifices of Filipino and Allied soldiers during WWII,” Frasco explained.
The tourism chief was joined by Philippine Army’s Infantry General Staff Corps Military Host, Lt. Col. Sonny G. Dungca together with the 69th Infantry Cougar Battalion and 7th Infantry KaugNay Division, ambassadors to the Philippines, including Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Vietnam Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, and Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, as well as Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, and PEP delegates comprising tourism stakeholders and private sector partners.
“I thank Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Congressman Albert Garcia, Congresswoman Maria Angela Garcia, LGU officials and the people of Bataan Province for the warm welcome for all our delegates as we provide this immersion into the beauty, culture, and diversity of our nation through Philippine Experience! We thank also PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu and Lt. Col. Sonny Dungca as we observe the solemn rites at Mt. Samat,” the tourism chief added.
The stop at Mt. Samat is part of the broader Central Luzon leg of PEP, which celebrates the region’s historical and cultural significance by featuring destinations across Bataan, Subic, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bulacan.
The stop at Mt. Samat is part of the broader Central Luzon leg of PEP, which celebrates the region’s historical and cultural significance by featuring destinations across Bataan, Subic, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bulacan. It also highlights the festive holiday atmosphere that characterizes the region.
A flagship initiative of the DOT, PEP aims to promote Filipino culture, heritage, and arts while showcasing the diverse tourism offerings of well-known and emerging destinations.
By curating immersive experiences and authentic journeys, the program emphasizes the unique Filipino identity, inviting visitors to discover why they will always #LoveThePhilippines.
