Bataan Province General Info about Bataan
Bataan was established in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. Before this, the region was divided into two parts: the Corregimiento of Mariveles and the Province of Pampanga. The towns of Mariveles, Bagac, Morong and Maragondon, Cavite comprised the Corregimiento of Mariveles that 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 latter group was under the charge of the Dominican Order. Limay, the twelfth town of Bataan, was named only in 1917.
The province is divided into two by a pass that separates the northern mountains dominated by Mt. Natib at 1253 meters, and the southern Mariveles Mountains at 1388 meter its highest, which include Mt. Samat. The eastern side has a narrow coastal plain while the western side is precipitous, with ridges descending from the mountains to form cliffs and headlands near the coast.
Bataan was among the first provinces to rise in revolt against Spanish tyranny. Two of her sons, Pablo Tecson and Tomas del Rosario, figured prominently in the Malolos Convention in 1898, and were instrumental in ensuring that the Filipinos enjoyed religious freedom. Cayetano Arellano of Orion became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Revolutionary Government, and later on became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Historical Landmarks
A shrine at Camaya Point shows a bayonet thrust to the ground with a helmet slung over the rifle butt.At the start of the March in Bagac is the Zero Point Marker, and a similar Death March marker is in Mariveles. The Battle of Tuol Pocket Marker is on the site of a battle which served as a prelude to the final defense of Bataan.The Surrender Site Marker is inside the compounded of the Balanga Elementary School. The Democracy Marker at the province΄s boundary with Pampanga depicts the role of Bataan in the country΄s fight for freedom.
The Cayetano Arellano Marker in Orion town marks the birthplace of the first Filipino Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Orion also has the Franciso Balagtas monument in honor of the great Filipino poet and patriot who lived here.
KALESA
The kalesa or karitela is a horse-driven carriage that was introduced during the 18th century. It was used by Spanish officials and the nobles as a means of transportation.
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