PILAR, Bataan — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ) recently laid the first stone of the five-year infrastructure development program in the Shrine of Valor with the opening of the site’s Exhibit Area and presentation of the development plans scale model.
During the annual commemoration program of the Araw ng Kagitingan in the Shrine of Valor last 9th of April 2019, the TIEZA – Mt. Samat FTEZ, headed by Chief Operating Officer (COO) Pocholo J.D. Paragas, presented the scale mode of the Shrine Site Development Plans, and Tourist Assistance Center and Visitors Center.
The presentation of the scale model was joined by Philippines Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Undersecretary Ernestor Caolina, PVAO Veterans Memorial & Historical Division Chief BGen. Restituto L. Aguilar, AFP (Ret.), National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Rene Escalante, Bataan 2nd District Representative Jose Enriquez S. Garcia III, Pilar Mayor Alicia Pizarro and Mt. Samat FTEZ Administrator Francis Theodore B. Initorio.
“The infrastructure improvements in the Mt. Samat Shrine Site are outlined in the Comprehensive Tourism Master Plan (CTMP) of the Mt. Samat FTEZ, which was approved by the agency’s Board of Directors,” TIEZA COO Pocholo J.D. Paragas said.
The developments would also mark the start of the branding of the Shrine Site as one of TIEZA’s premier FTEZs and as a world-class historical tourism hub. The projects were discussed with all the stakeholders of the Mt. Samat FTEZ. PVAO, Bataan and Pilar approved all the projects and expressed strong support.
Meanwhile, the TIEZA – Mt. Samat FTEZ also opened to the public the newly constructed Shrine Site View Deck – Exhibit Area with a ribbon cutting ceremony after the main program of the Araw ng Kagitingan. The facility is one of the series of new developments expected to be launched in the country’s premier Shrine of Valor and Memorial Cross.
The project is located in the east side of the Shrine and will also become the entrance to the proposed tourists’ elevated walking trail. It features a canyon used during the World War II, which is positioned in the side where the Filipino heroes defended the mountain and hold out against enemies’ attack.
After the launching of the project, the site will be used to conduct outdoor exhibits and to feature augmented reality displays.
The project was funded by TIEZA and approved by the Mt. Samat FTEZ Stakeholders – the PVAO, the Provincial Government of Bataan and Municipality of Pilar. Engineers and architects from the Stakeholders, on the other hand, planned and drafted the project design. 5-year infrastructure development program
The construction of the View Deck – Exhibit Area and Tourist Assistance Center and Visitors Center is part of the Mt. Samat FTEZ 5-year infrastructure program. The Mt. Samat FTEZ, through its Stakeholders headed by TIEZA, is rolling out the said long-term facilities improvement and construction to push for sustainable development, heritage conservation and restoration, and increased historical tourism activities.
“The provincial government is grateful for this infrastructure program.
We thank the Department of Tourism (DOT), TIEZA, PVAO and the local government of Pilar for implementing and supporting the projects with the vision of developing a highly competitive and environmentally sustainable tourism not only in Mt. Samat but also in Bataan,” Bataan Gov. Albert Raymond S. Garcia said in a press statement.
The five-year plan includes the construction of the Tourists’ Elevated Walking Trail and View Deck, renovation of the Shrine Site’s gate, Visitors Complex, Center for World War II Studies, Landscaping of the Shrine Site and Development of 3 Parks, Zigzag Foothpath and Amphitheater; and provision of a transportation hub with Cable Car Station.
The Shrine’s components – the Memorial Cross, the Colonnade and the Underground Museum – will also be enhanced and renovated with the help of PVAO, Bataan and Pilar.
Moreover, the sustainable development program is in consonance with the National Tourism Development Plan formulated by the DOT as mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act 9593.
The Act also directs TIEZA to initiate infrastructure development and enhancement of tourism sites, especially the designated flagship tourism zones. As such, TIEZA not only provide fiscal and other incentives to the Mt. Samat FTEZ locators, but also infrastructure and utility support to make it a more viable tourism attraction.
Establishment of Infra Committee
In an effort to assure the effective and immediate implementation of the infrastructure plans, the Infrastructure Technical Working Committee (ITWC) was formed to spearhead the planning and monitoring of the projects.
The ITWC was established through a series of focus group discussions among the engineers, architects and other experts of TIEZA, PVAO, Province of Bataan and Municipality of Pilar.
The Committee is tasked to study projects under the five-year plan and draft detailed steps and timeline. It will also lead and monitor the implementation of the Shrine Site infrastructure projects indicated in the CTMP.
The members committed in ensuring the completion of all the requirements for the bidding and construction of the infrastructure projects“The establishment of the ITWC will assure the effective and efficient implementation of the CTMP and help the Mt. Samat FTEZ Stakeholders act on the vision to make the Mt. Samat a world-class historical hub,” said Mt. Samat FTEZ Administrator Initorio, who is also the chairman of the Committee.
The Committee is divided into two sub-committees – the Architects and Engineers Sub-committee. The two teams meet regularly to discuss and complete detailed engineering and architectural designs.
Moreover, the Department of Public Works and Highways also joined the Committee.Projects in the pipeline of the ITWC include the renovation of the Shrine’s gate and ticketing booth, Visitors Complex and Tourists’ Elevated Walking Trail.
In line with the mandate of the national government to promote the sustainable development of tourist spots in the country, especially the cultural and heritage sites, the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor was officially designated as FTEZ on February 27, 2017 through Tieza.
It also resulted from the inter-agency partnership of the TIEZA, the Provincial Government of Bataan and Municipal Government of Pilar, and the PVAO.