Mount Samat: Edifying Valor

We visited Mount Samat in the town of Pilar in Bataan as part of the Industrial Tour of the 83rd Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) Annual National Convention hosted by PIChE Bataan Chapter.

The huge cross sits atop Mt. Samat overlooking the Bataan Peninsula. It is known by the name "Dambana ng Kagitingan" (Shrine of Valor in English), which commemorates the valor of Filipino heroes in their fight for freedom and nationhood. This is what we commemorate every April 9 which is called "Araw ng Kagitingan" and on that day there is a wreath laying in this shrine.   

Dambana ng Kagitingan

Historical Marker of the "Dambana ng Kagitingan."

At the base of the huge cross, you can see the bas-reliefs portraying various Filipino heroes and scenes of heroism such as fighting in arms, tending to wounded soldier, and dying a martyr.  

Bas-relief of fighting.

Bas-relief portraying Lapulapu.

Bas-relief portraying Gen. Antonio Luna and Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Bas-relief of fighting and dying of Gregorio del Pilar.

Bas-relief of a fighting scene.

Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Bas-relief of the revolutionaries.

Bas-relief of fighting scene.

If it is already allowed, one can ride the elevator from this door to the viewing deck at the cross' intersection where one can have a breathtaking view of Bataan Peninsula. Only that at the time of our visit, they were not allowing visitors to go up the viewing deck.   

Ornate door leading to the elevator to viewing deck. 

This place is of such historical importance, and Mt. Samat was chosen as the site of the shrine because it was the last stronghold of the Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. 

It is a place worth visiting when in Bataan. It offers space for recreation and reflection and an excellent vista of the Bataan Peninsula, even as far as Morong.