April 10, 2025, Pilar, Bataan — In honor of the 83rd year of celebrating Araw ng Kagitingan, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), through the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (MS-FTEZ) Office, proudly presented the newly completed Underground Museum at the historic Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the viewing of the newly curated Bataan Legacy Underground Museum on April 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the continued preservation and
revitalization of the country’s national heritage sites.
First inaugurated on April 9, 1970, by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the Mt. Samat Shrine stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Bataan’s defenders and the nation’s continuing commitment to preserve an indispensable memory of the past. Located
beneath the Shrine’s iconic Colonnade, the newly redeveloped museum has been transformed into a state-of-the-art educational and heritage site under TIEZA’s Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ) initiative. With the theme “The Legacy of Bataan and Its Heroes,” the museum presents a deeper, immersive narrative of World War II—from the roots of conflict to the Battle of Bataan, the Death March, and eventual liberation.
During the viewing, the role of national memory in shaping the Filipino spirit was emphasized, alongside a heartfelt tribute to veterans and their families whose courage shaped the nation’s history. A focal point of the tour was the original 1970 marker commemorating the museum’s inauguration, symbolizing the continuity of historical stewardship across generations. President Marcos Jr. was joined by distinguished officials including Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr., PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, PVAO Assistant Secretaries Restituto L. Aguilar and Domingo C. Carbonell Jr., Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Congressman Albert Raymond Garcia, Pilar Mayor Carlos F. Pizarro Jr., TIEZA ACOO Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, and Mt. Samat FTEZ
Administrator Atty. Francis Theodore B. Initorio.
The museum now features nine interconnected exhibit themes, including Bataan as a Battlefield, War Heroes, The Fall of Bataan, and The Heroism in Bataan. These are brought to life through modern exhibit design, virtual and augmented reality installations, holographic displays, and interactive storytelling—offering visitors a compelling 20–30-minute immersive experience. In his remarks, Atty. Initorio noted, “This museum represents not just a retelling of history but a reawakening of our national consciousness—honoring the past, informing the
present, and inspiring the future.”
The Mt. Samat Underground Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public in June 2025, offering a vital space for education, commemoration, and reflection within the Shrine of Valor.
More activities at Mt. Samat Shrine to celebrate Philippine Veterans’ Week To further commemorate Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan, TIEZA – MS-FTEZ, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB), and Municipality of Pilar, participated in the “Parada ng Kagitingan” on April 8, 2025, a vibrant float parade featuring entries from the four districts if Bataan and MS-FTEZ.
The TIEZA – MS-FTEZ will also launch at the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila, the “Faces of Valor” (FoV) Photo Exhibit, scheduled from 23 April to 30 April, showcasing past and prospective Congressional Gold Medal awardees. Held annually as part of the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration, the exhibit highlights the sacrifices of war veterans while emphasizing the importance of honoring and supporting today’s veterans. More than a tribute, the FoV fosters patriotism and a deeper appreciation for the country among Filipinos and foreign visitors alike.
These meaningful activities aim to celebrate courage, uphold historical memory, and inspire future generations. The redevelopment initiative and the commemorative events surrounding Araw Ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans’ Week exemplify TIEZA’s unwavering commitment
to preserving the country’s historical legacy while enriching the tourism experience for both present and future generations.
To learn more about TIEZA’s mandate and projects, visit https://tieza.gov.ph and follow TIEZA on social media: @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook, and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.
